Syracuse University unveils changes to the football game day experience

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Pre-game transportation options, entertainment on the Quad, concessions discounts, and an in-venue show are just some of the game day “enhancements” that Syracuse University football fans will see at the Carrier Dome this season.

The Orange hosts Wagner for its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 3:30 p.m.

“All of these enhancements are in response to fan feedback,” John Wildhack, director of athletics at Syracuse University, said in a news release issued Wednesday. “We want our fans to enjoy their Syracuse Football game day experience from start to finish.”

Getting to the game

Syracuse has instituted some policies that it believes will result in “improved traffic flow.”

For example, the school has established a ride-hailing area for Lyft designated on University Place between Crouse-Hinds Hall and Crouse College for “easy” drop off and pickup.

In addition, game day pre-game shuttle on the North campus will operate starting three hours before kickoff on the north side of campus through Walnut Park, Comstock Ave., and Ostrom Ave. with a drop off on College Place.

Pre-game entertainment

Syracuse will have pre-game activities on the Quad before each of its home football games. The events begin three hours before kickoff and will include the “Pride of the Orange,” the Syracuse University marching band, performing on the stairs of Hendricks Chapel.

It’ll also include concession-style food and beverage options, along with live music and a DJ.

In addition, fans will also be able to watch televisions showing the ESPN College GameDay show and college football games that are already in progress.

Fans will again see and hear the pre-game show for the Syracuse IMG Radio Network, which begins two hours before to kick off, Syracuse said.

Entrance to the game

Syracuse University is using a clear-bag policy and walkthrough metal detectors to “enhance safety and provide faster entry” at all Carrier Dome gates. More details are available at www.cuse.com/clearbag

The school also has mobile-ticket entry for all fans, including Syracuse students, and it’s available on the Syracuse Athletics app or in ‘MyCuse ticket account.

The university also has an “exclusive” Syracuse University student entrance at Gate F at the south east corner of the Carrier Dome on Forestry Drive, which is a change from Gate E.

The school is also allowing students to purchase a limited number of tickets for visiting guests in the student section.

In-stadium specials

Inside the Carrier Dome, fans will see “Syracuse Saturday,” an in-venue show featuring Tenesha Murphy, co-host of Bridge Street on WSYR-TV (NewsChannel 9); James Mungro, a former member of the Syracuse football program; and Lisa Chelenza, who is heard on the morning show on TK99 radio.

The school is offering special discounts at designated concession stands. They include pre-game concessions discounts of 50 percent for all fans beginning when gates open two hours prior to the game until 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Fans will receive a discount voucher upon entry into the Carrier Dome to present at the concession stand for the discount.

The discount is “not applicable to alcoholic beverages.” The discount will end at “published kickoff time.”

The Carrier Dome is also offering Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students discounts beginning at the 10-minute mark in the 3rd quarter and continuing to the end of the game. Purchases must be made with a SUpercard. It’s not applicable to alcoholic beverages.

More information on Syracuse University football game day activities is available here.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com