Syracuse Today: Auto Expo crowds, campus lacrosse drama, and a quiet late‑winter Monday
Syracuse, NY — February 17, 2026 — Auto Expo wraps up, Syracuse lacrosse programs make headlines, and late-winter weather keeps Central New York in chill mode.
Syracuse, NY — February 17, 2026
Auto Expo caps another big year downtown
The Syracuse Auto Expo wrapped up its 117th edition at the Oncenter after several days of steady crowds and family traffic. Hundreds of new cars, trucks, and SUVs filled more than 100,000 square feet of floor space, giving shoppers and enthusiasts a close look at this year’s models.
Dealers highlighted a growing lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles, reflecting how quickly that segment is moving from novelty to mainstream. Organizers say the show continues to be a key fundraiser and winter economic boost for downtown, drawing visitors into nearby restaurants and hotels during a typically slow stretch.
Lacrosse weekend brings highs and lows for the Orange
Syracuse fans saw a bit of everything in a packed lacrosse weekend at the JMA Wireless Dome. The men’s team earned a statement 11–9 win over Maryland, snapping a drought that stretched back more than a decade. A strong first-half run and timely late defense helped the Orange hold off a Terps rally in front of more than ten thousand fans.
The women’s team, meanwhile, fell 13–9 to top-ranked North Carolina after leading at halftime. Turnovers and draw-control issues swung momentum to the Tar Heels in the second half, but solid goalkeeping and defense kept Syracuse within striking distance. Both programs now head into the next week with tough road tests and early-season adjustments to make.
On campus: Athletic director plans summer retirement
Looking ahead, Syracuse University is preparing for a major leadership change in its athletic department. Athletic Director John Wildhack has announced he will retire on July 1, 2026, after roughly a decade overseeing Orange athletics.
During his tenure, the university invested heavily in facilities, including upgrades to the Dome, and celebrated national-level successes across several sports. The search for his successor is expected to unfold alongside a broader leadership transition in university administration, with decisions that could shape the direction of Syracuse athletics for years to come.
Forecast: Seasonable chill holds on
After recent bitter blasts, February is staying on-brand rather than extreme. Seasonal averages for Syracuse this month hover around freezing during the day and well below freezing overnight, with frequent chances for light snow or mixed precipitation.
Forecasters expect mostly cloudy skies, lows near or below 30°F, and the potential for on-and-off showers or flurries through midweek. Roads may turn slick at night and early morning, so commuters should continue to budget extra time and watch for changing conditions.
Sources
- https://nccnewsonline.com/syracuse-auto-expo-makes-its-annual-return/
- https://www.nunesmagician.com/syracuse-mens-lacrosse-orange-finally-solve-maryland-puzzle-to-defeat-terps-11-9
- https://www.nunesmagician.com/syracuse-womens-lacrosse-orange-fall-to-1-north-carolina-13-9
- https://www.nunesmagician.com/general/104990/syracuse-orange-athletics-ad-john-wildhack-set-to-retire
- https://www.almanac.com/weather/forecast/NY/Syracuse
- https://www.weather2travel.com/new-york/syracuse/february/
