Oneida County launches Nexus Center survey

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County has rolled out a survey to assess the experience of visitors to the Utica University Nexus Center and evaluate what types of services and amenities are needed in the area surrounding the facility.

“Since opening last November, the Utica University Nexus Center has been visited more than 410,000 times by people from all over the country, quickly becoming a focal point and popular destination in downtown Utica and all of Oneida County,” County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said in a release. “The Nexus Center’s success has created opportunity for even more growth. By hearing directly from people who have frequented the state-of-the-art facility, some from hundreds of miles away, we will be able to understand not only what brought them there but what will lead to an even better experience and ultimately bring them back.”

Picente added that the overall experience includes more than just a game or practice at the facility. “Providing more to do while connecting people to our many existing sites and attractions is a win-win for all,” he said.

The survey is accessible online through QR codes posted at the Nexus Center. The county will also use geofencing technology to push the survey to visitors’ mobile phones. Those participating in tournaments and events will receive an emailed survey after their visit. It takes about five to 10 minutes to complete.

The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NexusCenter.

Oneida County will evaluate and present the survey results in early 2024. Picente first announced the survey during his State of the County Address earlier this year as a means to improve upon the experience of those visiting and assist the county, developers, and entrepreneurs capitalize on the Nexus Center and invest in the surrounding area.

In addition to capturing visitor demographic information, the survey gauges what event brought them to the Nexus Center; what form of transportation they used to get there; their thoughts on the accessibility of the facility, traffic, and safety in the area; their opinion on dining, retail, and lodging options; and other activities and attractions they utilized during their visit.

The Nexus Center has elevated Utica’s status as a destination for tournaments and other events, Oneida County Tourism President Sarah Foster Calero said. “When visitors attend events here, they visit local hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses, which benefits all of us,” she said. “The Nexus survey is a critical next step and will allow us to further assess the needs of our community as well as grow the facility to the best it can be.”