Syracuse football is making a clear push to turn gameday inside the JMA Wireless Dome into a louder, more student-focused experience.
The school announced Wednesday that this season will bring a rapid-fire T-shirt cannon, new music, a new team entrance and a bigger emphasis on keeping energy high well into the second half. The changes are designed with Syracuse students in mind, especially in a college sports environment where the student section can set the tone early and then become tougher to hold after halftime.
That third-quarter push is where Syracuse wants to make its mark. The school said its promotional efforts will be aimed directly at the student section with giveaways, contests and concession specials. Behind the student section in Sections 122 to 124, fans will also find game-long activities built for students, including a photo booth and chances to send music requests to the in-game DJ.
Music is getting a makeover, too. Syracuse said it will roll out fresher selections throughout the game and use them to try to make things harder for opponents on defensive third downs. The school is keeping one familiar piece in the mix, too: part of the introduction to AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells will still play, before the song shifts into DMX’s Ruff Ryders Anthem.
The team’s entrance is also changing this season, though the school is keeping the details under wraps. Syracuse said it wants the new entrance to remain a surprise.
Another addition should be easy for fans to spot: an upgraded rapid-fire T-shirt gun. The school said the new version will bring more firepower - and more free shirts - than Syracuse fans have been used to seeing.
Food and beverage options in Miron Victory Court are sticking around as well, with the school saying it will continue to sell items there that are not available elsewhere in the building. Those offerings are expected to change weekly.
Syracuse also plans to show live decibel tracking more often during key moments, part of new athletic director Bryan Blair’s push to get the school into the Guinness Book of World Records this year. Blair has made improving the dome atmosphere a priority early in his tenure, and he has described the process as something that will take time as he evaluates the current setup and hears from fans.
“We’re excited to unveil new initiatives for the season opener, both on the Quad and in-venue, that fans will see, hear and feel throughout gameday to elevate that experience for our fans,” Blair said in a statement. “However, this is just the beginning of our larger efforts. We will continue to seek fan and student feedback as we aim to deliver an unmatched gameday experience in the dome.”
Earlier in the week, Syracuse also announced changes to its pre-game Quad festivities, including a mechanical bull and a rock-climbing wall.
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