Syracuse athletic events closed to public until further notice

On the eve of an already delayed college football season, Syracuse officials announced Friday night that all athletic home events will be closed to the public until further notice.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, fans will not be allowed to attend games in person for the foreseeable future in an effort to maintain a safe and healthy campus community, according to an SU Athletics press release.

Football is not the only team affected by the decision as fans will not be allowed at field hockey, volleyball, and men’s and women’s soccer games, which were announced earlier this week.

“Syracuse Athletics remains committed to doing everything it can to support and protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, our staff and the campus and Syracuse communities,” the announcement read. “All decisions will be science-based and informed by public health guidance as provided by county, state and public health officials.”

The Dome was set to reopen to the public for the first time since March on Sept. 26 when the Orange hosted Georgia Tech, following the completion of a months-long construction project that included replacing the famous inflated domed roof.

Renovations took place to improve the fan experience, which will have to wait one more season. Proposed improvements included updated lighting and sound systems comparable to those in NFL stadiums, and improved accessibility and Wi-Fi. Additionally, a large, center-hung video board and brand-new, high-definition videos boards at both ends of the stadium were to be added.

The Carrier Dome closed its doors to the public following the Syracuse women’s basketball game against Boston College on March 1 and soon after all spring sports including men’s and women’s lacrosse were canceled as the coronavirus pandemic emerged.

Touted as “The Loud House” thanks to its amplified indoor sound, the Dome will be quiet through at least Syracuse’s first home football game as its 49,250 seats remain empty. Officials did not disclose when fan attendance would be allowed again, rather than events are closed to the public until further notice.

“It’s a bummer,” said freshman Tyler Dawson, who was looking forward to experiencing his first games in the Dome. “But I’d rather watch the game on television than not watch [sports] at all.”

Fans are encouraged to follow the football game via the Syracuse Sports Network from Learfield IMG College radio broadcast and the ‘Cuse Second Screen Experience, coming soon to Cuse.com and the ‘Cuse mobile app.