The Goo Goo Dolls are heading home — or at least to their part of the state — with a date at Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse this September. Buffalo’s most famous rock export has been filling arenas and soundtracks for three decades, and they show no signs of slowing down.
About Goo Goo Dolls
Goo Goo Dolls emerged from the Buffalo punk scene in the late 1980s and evolved into one of the most successful rock bands of the 1990s and 2000s. Fronted by John Rzeznik, the band’s shift from scrappy punk-pop to anthemic, emotionally resonant rock produced a string of massive hits that dominated radio and film soundtracks. They have millions of records sold and remain one of the most consistent touring acts in rock, drawing loyal audiences who have grown up with the band’s music. As Upstate New York natives, every show in this region carries an extra layer of homecoming energy.
The Venue
Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse provides a lakeside outdoor concert setting along the shores of Onondaga Lake. The amphitheater features pavilion seating and a spacious lawn, making it Central New York’s top destination for major summer and early-fall concerts. The venue’s location and layout create a relaxed atmosphere that suits the Goo Goo Dolls’ approachable, crowd-friendly performance style perfectly.
Tickets & Details
Goo Goo Dolls perform at Empower FCU Amphitheater on September 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Tickets range from $44.00 to $201.00. Get tickets.
There’s always something special about seeing the Goo Goo Dolls play in Upstate New York. This is their backyard, and the crowds here know every word to every song in a way that’s personal rather than just nostalgic. Rzeznik has always been an underrated songwriter, and hearing his catalog played live reveals a depth and consistency that sometimes gets lost in the radio hits. At Empower FCU on a September evening, you’re catching the tail end of summer concert season — and there’s no better way to close it out than with a band that represents the best of what this region has produced. Highly recommended. Rzeznik’s catalog of songs has aged beautifully, and the band’s live energy proves they’re far from a nostalgia act. They’re still making vital music and delivering powerful shows.