History of the Harding Mazzotti Arena: The Heart of Glens Falls, NY
1 Civic Center Plaza, Glens Falls, NY
What's now known as the Harding Mazzotti Arena sits at the corner of Glen Street and Oakland Avenue in Glens Falls. For over 45 years this 4,774-seat powerhouse of an arena continues to prove that while names may change, the spirit of the "Glens Falls Civic Center" is legendary.
A Masterpiece Born from Grit
The arena was a victory for Glens Falls, as it was constructed in 1979 during turbulent times. The site sat as a vacant lot for over a decade as historic buildings were cleared for projects that never materialized.
After years of scrapped mall designs and no progress, architect Donald McNeice finally broke ground on the vision to redefine downtown Glens Falls.
New Names, Same Great Place
For nearly 40 years the arena was simply the Glens Falls Civic Center. Then i n2017, the City reached an agreement with the Cool Insuring Arena, a local insurance firm with deep roots in the Glens Falls community.
A $600,000, five-year naming rights contract was agreed upon and later extended. The revenue generated from the name change went to the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, the nonprofit that manages the arena, helping to cover costs and facility improvements without relying solely on taxpayer dollars.
In late 2024, it was announced that the naming rights had been acquired by Harding Mazzotti, a respected personal injury law firm (which went through its own name change, having formerly been known as Martin, Harding & Mazzotti).
As the contract with the Cool Insuring Arena neared its end, Harding Mazzotti stepped in with a new multi-year deal. The rebranding was completed in early 2025.
Hockey, Hoops & Happening Times
The arena’s history is written in ice and hardwood:
- The Red Wings Dynasty: For 20 years, the Adirondack Red Wings (AHL) called this home, hanging four incredible Calder Cup championship banners and cementing Glens Falls as a premier hockey town.
- A Rotating Guard: From the IceHawks and Frostbite to the Phantoms, Flames, and our current Adirondack Thunder (ECHL), the roars of the crowd have never faded.
- March Madness, Local Style: Since 1981, the arena has been the hallowed ground for the NYSSPHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament, creating "hoop dreams" for thousands of high school athletes every single year.
Legends on Stage
The Harding Mazzotti Arena has hosted a wide range of musical talents, from the psychedelic jams of The Grateful Dead and Phish, to the rock royalty of The Who, The Foo Fighters, and Ozzy Osbourne, and even the legendary croon of Frank Sinatra.
Besides musicians, the arena has also welcomed world-famous ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, the epic Adirondack Stampede Charity Rodeo, the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus, and more.
Iconic Moments
It’s not just about the stats; it’s about the memories.
- The Olympic Flame: In 1980, the eyes of the world were on the North Country. Local Olympian Mickey Luce carried the Olympic torch into a deafeningly loud, packed arena on its way to the Lake Placid Opening Ceremonies.
- World-Class Thrills: From the gravity-defying stunts of the Harlem Globetrotters and the high-octane drama of WWE Wrestling to the magic of the Ringling Bros. Circus, the arena has been the backdrop for a million "first memories" for local families.
- The Cutest Competition in Sports: The arena has served as the filming location for Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl.
From its rocky start in the late 1970s to its bright future as the Harding Mazzotti Arena, one thing remains certain: the best show in town is always right here.
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