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Tsha’ Hoñ’noñyeñ’dakhwa’ Where They Play Games

Approximately 25 years ago, an arena was constructed on the Onondaga Nation that was artfully called “Tsha’Hoñ’noñyen’dakhwa’, or in English, “Where They Play Games.”

Jason Spotted Horse, a spokesman for the arena, explained to me that the community had determined it needed a place to play “The Creator’s Game,” Lacrosse. The game that is considered among the Onondaga good medicine for men. It’s a place to take that energy and work it out on a field of play that lets one compete, exert energy, win or lose, and leave already thinking about the next battle.

But the arena is much more than that. While yes, lacrosse is certainly its founding featured game, the arena was designed as “the heartbeat of the community, a gathering place deeply rooted in tradition. It began with lacrosse, and it has grown to mean so much more,” Jason explained.

“On any given week you will see your aunts, parents, grandparents, friends – all sitting together in stands. We host everything from youth hockey and cheerleading tournaments to Greco-Roman wrestling and community garage sales. We have an ice season, major world game events, small gatherings and play times – it brings people together with family, friends, sports rivals, and more.

If you take a look at a few recent or upcoming events, you’ll see a high school graduation, a Roller Derby and a Food Truck Rodeo. All in the same space, all presented with the same professionalism and care. In fact, looking at the possible events that the team at the Arena can and has prepared for over time, you’ll see things like pickleball tournaments, cheerleading competitions, and dance competitions, followed by drone races, a flea market and a motorcycle show.

Jason acknowledges that “the team definitely has a big job to perform – changing the arena from a lacrosse field to an ice rink – it takes a LOT of coordination, planning, cooperation, and they take pride in making it happen. But it is seen as FUN – every transition opens the door for a new group of people. The space is a “living breathing” place for whatever group needs it at that time, and it provides what is needed.”

The 2,000 seat arena serves as a home to the Onondaga Nation’s lacrosse team; the Onondaga Athletic Club (OAC) RedHawks. Tsha’ Hoñnoñyeñdakwha also serves as an ice arena from September through March. Local high schools and colleges as well as a youth hockey (Valley Youth Hockey Association and Christian Brothers Academy/Jamesville-Dewitt) consider Tsha’ Hoñnoñyeñdakwha their home ice. Tsha’ Hoñnoñyeñdakwha also provides ample time for recreational skating.

Coming up soon is a Health Fair – coordinated with Upstate – where medical professionals and consultants will be doing routine screenings, talking with people about ways to improve health and deal with challenges. Classes, learning, sharing.

“We hope to keep rich traditions alive as we host events, play games from our history and culture as well as present what is new, different, growing, and welcoming. Always something exciting on the horizon for everyone,” Jason said.

The Statistics:

40,000 square foot building
2000 seat capacity
NHL sized rink (200’ x 85’)
Seamless glass on east and west sides of rink
5 complete locker rooms with showers and bathroom equipment
Elders/Conference Room – holds up to 50 people
Concessions
Pro-Shop
Handicap accessible

Events Year-Round, Like:

Roller Derby
Food Truck Rodeo
Local School Events
Tournaments
Games
Practices
Wrestling
Box Lacrosse
Pickleball
Cheerleading Competitions
Dance Competitions
Martial Arts Tournament
Gymnastics Meets
Strongman Competitions
Fencing
Table Tennis Tournaments
Badminton
Volleyball Multi-Cort Sweeps
Esports Tournaments
Drone Racing Events
RC Car Competitions
Fitness Expos
Crossfit-style Competitions
Multi-court Pickleball
Expos
Craft Fairs
Flea Markets
Antique Shows
Toy Shows
Comic Conventions
Pet Expos
Health Fairs
Car Shows
Motorcycle Shows
Graduations
Collectibles Shows (Cards, Coins, Memorabilia)

“The Creator’s Game”

(This is just a quick explanation of what The Creator’s Game is)

“The Creator’s Game” means lacrosse, especially within Haudenosaunee culture.

For the Haudenosaunee – including the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora – lacrosse is much more than a sport. It is understood as a gift from the Creator, given to the people for spiritual, physical and community purposes.