Central NY Bars to Open Early for Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game

Fans can watch the U.S. face off against Canada at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:04am

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Several bars in Syracuse and the surrounding area will be opening early on Sunday morning to allow fans to watch the United States men's hockey team compete against Canada in the Olympic gold medal game. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend the normal Sunday alcohol service restrictions, enabling the bars to open as early as 8 a.m. for the big match.

Why it matters

The Olympic men's hockey gold medal game is a highly anticipated event, especially for U.S. fans hoping to see the team capture its first gold since the famous "Miracle on Ice" in 1980. The early start time poses a challenge for many fans, so the decision by local bars to open early provides an opportunity for the community to come together and experience the game live.

The details

At least five bars in the city of Syracuse, as well as two others in the surrounding county, have announced they will open their doors at 8 a.m. on Sunday to accommodate fans. The match is scheduled to begin at 8:10 a.m. Eastern Time. If the U.S. team is victorious, it will be their first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since their historic upset of the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid.

  • The Olympic men's hockey gold medal game is scheduled for 8:10 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed the State Liquor Authority to suspend the normal Sunday alcohol service restrictions for the day of the game.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who directed the State Liquor Authority to allow bars to open early for the Olympic hockey game.

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What’s next

If the United States wins the gold medal game, it will be the team's first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the "Miracle on Ice" in 1980.

The takeaway

The early opening of local bars for the Olympic hockey gold medal game demonstrates the community's enthusiasm and support for the U.S. team, providing fans with an opportunity to come together and experience the historic match live.