The 2026 Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic, a one-day outdoor hockey tournament, will take place in historic Clinton Square on Saturday, Jan. 24. Fans can see the competitive tournament for free and enjoy food and music at Clinton Square throughout the day. The three-on-three competition will be played f ollowing pond hockey rules on two reduced-size rinks on the Clinton Square ice. Sixteen teams will compete with games beginning at 10 a.m. Final round competition begins under the lights downtown at 6 p.m. with the championship game scheduled for 7 p.m. Pre-tournament party at Harvey’s Garden, sponsor of the “Harvey’s Garden Scoreboard” 2026 Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic activities will begin one week earlier with a pre-tournament player and fan party on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at Harvey’s Garden, 1200 E. Water St. The party is open to the public and gives fans a chance to get to know the teams ahead of the games. In addition, this year’s tournament will feature the “Harvey’s Garden Scoreboard,” a giant video screen providing game scores and updates on the tournament bracket throughout the day. “Outdoor hockey in the middle of downtown Syracuse is an ideal way to spend a winter Saturday whether you are a player or a hockey fan,” said Tim O’Donnell, tournament director. “The ‘Harvey’s Garden Scoreboard’ is a great addition and will make the player and fan experience even better. We invite the whole community to come out and join us,” In addition to Harvey’s Garden, 1911 Established, the Saltine Warrior, New York State Carpenters Local 277, Visit Syracuse and the Syracuse Cultural Festivals Fund funded by the City of Syracuse are official tournament sponsors. Partners are the City of Syracuse Department of Parks Recreation and Youth Programs and Greater Strathmore Neighborhood Association (GSNA). Portions of the proceeds from the tournament benefit We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach and Tillie’s Touch. Tournament merchandise, including the official 2026 Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic knit winter hat, can be found at syracusepondhockeyclassic.com/. The Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic was founded on Hiawatha Lake in Upper Onondaga Park in 2020. It moved to Clinton Square in 2024 when ice hadn’t formed on Hiawatha Lake. The Downtown site worked well for players, fans and organizers and is now the permanent home for the tournament. For more information call O’Donnell at 315-569-3788 or email [email protected]. ...read more read less