The Utica Blue Sox are excited to announce an exciting new chapter for the organization, as the Blue Sox Academy prepares to move into the New Hartford Shopping Center in New Hartford, New York. The move represents more than just a new location—it marks a strategic partnership rooted in growth, community engagement, and shared vision.
The New Hartford Shopping Center, managed by Brian Snow, is currently undergoing a transformation aimed at revitalizing and reimagining what a modern shopping center can be. Snow, who oversees the entire facility, shared that his team is actively working to turn the shopping center around as part of a broader long-term plan to reposition it for the future.
Snow emphasized that all revenue generated from tenants is reinvested directly back into the property, including building improvements, parking lot upgrades, and overall infrastructure enhancements. His vision for the center focuses on increasing foot traffic, diversifying clientele, and attracting non-traditional tenants that create activity and energy throughout the space.
That vision aligns perfectly with what the Blue Sox Academy brings to the table.
The Academy, which offers baseball and softball training for athletes of all ages, is expected to become a major draw for the shopping center. Snow expressed excitement about the Academy’s arrival and the value it brings not only to the center, but also to surrounding businesses.
“The Academy is a draw,” Snow explained. “Everything is about getting people into your parking lot and into your stores. Parents can drop their child off for a lesson and then walk around, grab food, or shop. The more people you bring in, the more opportunity there is for everyone.”
He believes the move will help expand the Academy’s reach while creating new opportunities for athletes and families throughout the region. “Hopefully this will get them to reach more households, create more opportunities for athletes, and increase their clientele. I look forward to them opening and creating that buzz for themselves,” Snow said.
Snow also noted that he sees the partnership as a long-term one, with opportunities for growth and expansion down the road. He even suggested that this location could eventually serve as a headquarters-style hub for the Academy.
“We want to expand their existence as well,” Snow said. “I could see them here long-term, growing and expanding. I’d love to have the problem where they come to me and say, ‘We need more room—we have too many people.’”
In addition to daily training and lessons, Snow shared that there will be opportunities for the Blue Sox Academy to host events at the shopping center, including potential outdoor events in the parking lot and other shared spaces—further reinforcing the center’s shift toward change.
For the Utica Blue Sox organization, the move represents a major step forward in expanding its footprint within the community and reaching new families and athletes.
“For the past ten years, the Blue Sox organization has made it a priority to invest in Oneida County, and we’re happy to continue doing so,” said Jemma Jordan, Director of Corporate Sales, Media Relations, and Sponsorship for the Utica Blue Sox. “This move allows us to deepen those roots while also investing in the future of the New Hartford Shopping Center. We’re looking forward to building something special alongside Brian Snow and contributing to the growth and success of the center as a whole.”
As the Blue Sox Academy prepares to open its doors at the New Hartford Shopping Center, both organizations are aligned in their belief that this partnership will create energy, opportunity, and long-term success—for athletes, families, and the community as a whole.
The future is bright, and this move is just the beginning.
Blue Sox Academy invites families, athletes, and the Central New York community to be part of this exciting new chapter. The Academy will officially open at its new home—43 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford, NY on January 2, 2026. Whether you’re looking to develop your game, explore training opportunities, or simply see the new space, now is the time to get involved. For more information, visit UticaBlueSox.net, email [email protected], or call (315) 864-8495.