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JACOB ERLBAUM: As the city of Syracuse works to build up its nightlife, Jarod Struminger visited Five Iron Golf, an indoor golf simulator hub in downtown Syracuse, and has more on the city’s plans to expand on it.
JAROD STRUMINGER: I’m in downtown Syracuse at Five Iron Golf is one of the first new attractions to open as part of efforts to revitalize the city’s nightlife economy.
STRUMINGER: In her first State of the City address, Mayor Sharon Owens said she wants to hire a “night mayor,” a coordinating position aimed at making the city more inviting for young adults.
STRUMINGER: Five Iron franchisee Chase Rogan said he was pleased with opening day numbers.
ROGAN: We had a great opening day with a really positive response from the community. We’re hoping this is an opportunity for us to kind of put a stake in the ground and welcome other businesses like ours that can come and join the revitalization in downtown Syracuse.
STRUMINGER: According to Syracuse.com, Owens is looking to establish a broader range of late-night activities after speaking with her 35-year-old daughter, Simone.
STRUMINGER: One late-night spot, Margaritas Mexican Cantina, has maintained a steady presence among younger crowds.
FUENTES: I think we’re doing a really good job of getting DJs, you know, through Instagram and internet clout, making sure they’re out here and promoting their music. People who listen to DJs will see who we’re having this week, and they’ll come in for that DJ.
STRUMINGER: Fuentes said Syracuse nightlife has improved but still has room to grow, adding that a night mayor could help address safety concerns.
FUENTES: Syracuse has gotten a lot better. I think there is still more room to grow. So my hope would be that the mayor could maybe implement some better regulations for safety. I think that would make people want to come out some more.
STRUMINGER: Owens said she hopes to appeal not only to younger adults but also to young families looking to move to Syracuse to start a life.
STRUMINGER: Syracuse is one of many cities looking to add a night mayor. Who that night mayor will be has not yet been determined.
STRUMINGER: With NCC News, I’m Jarod Struminger.
SYRACUSE, NY (NCC News) —In Mayor Sharon Owen’s first State of the City, she emphasized the need to revitalize Syracuse’s nightlife scene for the younger generations of the city.
According to Syracuse.com, Owens said, “That population wants a place in Syracuse. They see the possibilities of Syracuse and want to know where their space is.”
One of the first new exciting attractions, Five Iron Golf, opened its doors yesterday to a good crowd. With over 30 locations around the United States, Syracuse marks the first Upstate location for the indoor golf simulator and bowling alley. Franchisee Chase Rogan hopes that Five Iron can be a trailblazer in a new era of local entertainment.
“We’re hoping that this is an opportunity for us to kind of put a stake in the ground and welcome others and other businesses like ours that can come in and join the revitalization of downtown Syracuse,” Rogan said.
Mayor Owens is looking to add a nightlife coordinator, also known as a “Night Mayor.” According to VOA.com, Large cities around the United States are hiring these “Night Mayors” to model after European cities such as Amsterdam, London and Paris.
While Five Iron is one of downtown’s newer establishments, staples such as Margarita’s have remained strong since opening in 2019. Employee Nicholas Fuentes credits the restaurant’s diversity of performers for their long-term success.
“I think we’re doing a good job of getting DJs like you know, through Instagram, through internet clout, making sure they’re out here and promoting, you know, their music. People who listen to DJs, they’ll see who we’re having this week, and they’ll come in for that DJ,” Fuentes said.
Fuentes, a Dallas native, says he enjoys the nightlife in Syracuse, but there is room for improvement. His main concern was feeling unsafe when going out.
Owens hopes to create fun places and events for teenagers and young families. The Night Mayor will establish a relationship with night-oriented business owners to make Syracuse a more engaging place at night.
There are currently no public leads or information about who may be Syracuse’s first Night Mayor, but new nightlife developments signal the city is moving forward with its after-hours vision.