There’s nearly a zero % chance this is correct.
It’s not just “a few million dollars”.
It could be a million or more dollars per year, every year, forever.
It’s not a coincidence that the word “Carrier” has been conspicuously absent from any and all communications regarding the Dome reno project, from the start.
I respectfully disagree. You are looking at one revenue stream, like most people look at the alleged B1G payouts. The number is smoke and mirrors, no one discusses the fact that the B1G revenue is inflated by shared gate receipts. Likewise, naming rights are smoke and mirrors. Yes, there is a cash payout, but there are other obligations that cost the university money.
Furthermore, you claim there is nearly zero chance that I may be correct. Yet, the university has a history of planning very well and controlling spending. They have announced the building will have AC, they have a plan. Yes, they could go with another manufacturer. But as much as the name change would hurt Carrier, it would also hurt SU. Goodwill has an intrinsic value that is not readily measured by dollars.
Carrier is less likely to give up the name on the Dome without making an offer of something. Recall that when the Dome was originally built, Carrier offered to install AC for free. Payments may be in kind; SU has a few buildings with AC units. All in all, there is probably a much deeper relationship than you and I know.
You allege that "Carrier" has been conspicuously absent from any and all communications regarding the Dome reno project, from the start. However, this is not as accurate as you may think:
Carrier Dome Home - Carrier Dome - Syracuse University The logo stating Carrier Dome in on the home page, let alone in the name of the website.
University Takes Next Step on Campus Framework, Including West Campus Project This article identifies the Dome as the Carrier Dome, it focuses on the plans for West Campus.
Dome Locker Room Complex Makeover to Improve Student-Athlete Experience - Syracuse University Athletics This article is about the locker room renovation, yet it mentions the Carrier Dome.
There are many references to the Carrier Dome outside of the SU websites, too many to reproduce here. The fact that people refer to the Carrier Dome is as the "Dome" is meaningless. Dome is a shortening in of the official name - a nickname, like referring to Syracuse University as Syracuse, Cuse, SU.
Anyway, it is not worth fighting over too much as neither of us are decision makers in this process and if we were, neither of us would be able to reveal anything.