Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse University Chief Facilities Officer Pete Sala said Tuesday that capacity inside the JMA Wireless Dome will drop to between 42,000 and 43,000 with the new seating that comes under the Dome renovation project.
The venue currently seats 49,207.
Installation of the seats themselves has not yet begun, but preparation for that step, such as new fencing being put around the lower bowl, has occurred.
Sala said SU expects seat installation to begin in April and be ready for the 2024 football season.
Sala was one of four speakers at a press conference inside the Dome on Tuesday about ongoing renovations and upgrades to fan experience ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Syracuse football home opener.
Seats will change from the original aluminum benches to actual navy blue stadium chairs with cup holders and armrests. Seats in the lower bowl will be wider than seats in the upper.
Not only did the change in seat type impact capacity, but updates for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance did, too. Sala said that expanding the aisles between sections cost about three seats per row.
Syracuse has been transparent about the new seats reducing capacity inside the Dome since renovations were announced in spring 2022 along with the new naming rights.
Last season, SU’s most-attended football game against Notre Dame saw 49,861 fans. Men’s basketball brought in 31,063 fans at its 2022 peak.
As for what attendance looks like for the Orange’s season-opener against Colgate on Saturday, Syracuse University Athletic Director John Wildhack said he did not yet have an official number on tickets sold, but that SU had “a good 48 hours” of sales.
Wildhack noted that the main student section has sold out. Additional student tickets in other sections are still available in reserved seating through the student ticketing portal or by calling the box office directly.
Syracuse opened to a crowd of 37,110 with a conference game against Louisville in 2022.
As for renovations and additions that Orange fans can expect this fall, a gameday lounge for football, basketball and lacrosse will be open pregame and at halftime for VIPs.
Some of the ADA compliance work has already been completed, including making the first row of the lower bowl wider and improving ADA ramps and decks.
Installation of 5G wireless is underway, but the service will not be available until later in the fall at the earliest.
Sala reminded guests that the Dome is now a cashless facility and said the venue will be stricter with its clear-bag policy. He also recommended tickets be downloaded before arrival at the venue for games.
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