SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University Athletics plans to renovate and expand Manley Field House into the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, “a state-of-the-art academic and athletics village that will benefit all student-athletes.”
The first phase of the multi-million, multi-year project will start in the spring with the construction of a new front entrance, Syracuse said in a Monday news release. Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack contends that the “revitalized complex will benefit all student-athletes at Syracuse University, improve recruiting and increase retention.”
The project, which will happen over time, is part of a $150 million funding campaign by the Syracuse Department of Athletics. Syracuse describes Manley Field House as the “hub of activity and the center of student-athlete life” for its athletics for nearly 60 years.
The Syracuse Athletics fundraiser is part of the Syracuse’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University that launched two years ago and that recently exceeded $1.052 billion in funds raised.
Syracuse will name the project after John Lally, a 1982 Syracuse graduate and three-time football letterwinner. Lally and his wife, Laura, in 2019 made a $25 million donation to jumpstart work on the project, which will be entirely funded by private philanthropy.
About the project
The new Lally Complex will support the academic and athletic efforts of the 600 student-athletes across all sports at Syracuse University.
As part of the vision for the Lally Complex, the Department of Athletics is considering enhancements that include the creation of a new football operations center; a One Team Center, which all of Syracuse University’s Olympic sports teams will use; a student-athlete academic center to expand resources for academic support and professional and career development; updated dining and nutrition facilities; renovated locker rooms, medical training and strength and conditioning facilities; and modernized facades on the exterior of the complex.
Syracuse plans to announce additional enhancements to the facility as more donations come in.
Project’s initial work
As part of the initial work, the Student-Athlete Academic Support program will have an expanded area to meet student needs through private in-person meeting spaces for expanded tutorial appointments and academic advising, along with career and life-skills programming.
Available to all student-athletes, the expanded academic support facility will house private rooms for student-athletes to use for completing class assignments or studying between classes.
Additionally, early work will include an enhanced multi-display Hall of Champions.
The display will celebrate the accomplishments of Orange student-athletes in the classroom and on the field in real time, as well as recognizing alumni successes.
The area will also serve as a gathering and event space that can be used for special events, along with day-to-day activities and programming, Syracuse said.