M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor

As a key member of a high-performing design-build team, LaBella led the architectural and engineering vision behind the new 100,000-square-foot M&T Bank Center—an anchor destination within the revitalized Mohawk Harbor waterfront development owned by The Galesi Group in Schenectady, New York. Purpose-built as the new home of Union College’s Division I hockey programs, the arena delivers a premium, fan-forward experience with a 2,200-seat branded rink that can seamlessly expand to 3,600 seats. Designed for year-round versatility, the venue is equipped to host concerts, conventions, major sporting events, and large-scale corporate gatherings.

Set on a reclaimed brownfield site along the Mohawk River and driven by an ambitious schedule to open for the 2025–26 hockey season, the project demanded innovative solutions. LaBella addressed complex structural and foundation challenges. Energy-efficient, adaptable mechanical systems were integrated to accommodate diverse event programming, while custom lighting and branded graphics create a modern, immersive atmosphere throughout the arena, locker rooms, and training spaces.

The result is a striking, contemporary sports venue that elevates the Union College athletics brand, strengthens recruitment and retention, and enhances the fan experience. Beyond campus impact, the M&T Bank Center stands as a premier destination for the broader community—supporting economic vitality, expanding entertainment options, and redefining what a multi-use arena can bring to New York’s Capital Region.