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The Amp Marks 10 Years with Pavilion Naming for ESF President Joanie Mahoney
Naming recognizes her tenure as county executive and leadership in developing The Amp on Onondaga Lake
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — May 31, 2026 — Sunday’s celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview featured a special tribute to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) President Joanie Mahoney, as the pavilion was officially named the Joanne M. Mahoney Pavilion.
Before joining ESF in 2018, Mahoney served as Onondaga County Executive from 2008 to 2018 and played a pivotal role in bringing the amphitheater—commonly known as The Amp—to life.
“Seeing this project come alive and embraced by the community reflects an extraordinary team effort, extensive ESF research on Onondaga Lake, and now hosts ESF commencement each year,” Mahoney said.
Situated along the shore of Onondaga Lake, the venue was constructed on a site that required extensive environmental remediation due to its history of industrial contamination. The project transformed the area into a vibrant community asset directly across from the New York State Fairgrounds.
For decades, ESF scientists have led efforts to restore Onondaga Lake, improving water quality and revitalizing surrounding habitats for wildlife and recreational use. The amphitheater stands as a visible symbol of that progress.
In a fitting full-circle moment, ESF has held its commencement ceremonies at The Amp each May since 2022, launching the venue’s event season. With Onondaga Lake as a backdrop, the setting serves as a powerful reminder to graduates of the real-world impact of their work.
Since opening, The Amp has hosted hundreds of concerts and welcomed an estimated 1.5 million guests, generating approximately $170 million in economic impact for the region.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.