I Need Help

[Toga]

Develop a really informative and useful location-based mobile app for fans attending the Dome. If you had iBeacons set up in the Dome (cost is not much), you could push out all sorts of info in real time -- e.g. info on the latest scores, the shortest lines for food, the chance to meet former players, the best traffic routes home, best lots for post-game tailgating and info on what's happening on the field (injury reports or stats).

A good location-based app would afford an opportunity for someone from SU or the Dome to meet long-time season ticketholder or "high roller" fans when they enter. Maybe you meet someone who has been coming to games since the 1980s and give them a signed jersey when they walk in the door.

You can monetize a lot of this by doing push advertising from local businesses and the university (e.g. 10% off a jersey at the bookstore if SU wins). Or, maybe you turn the app over to the entrepreneurial program at SU and see what they can come up with.

We are where we are on the field but the fan experience itself is changing rapidly right now and there is no reason that SU can not be at the forefront of it. Apologies if this is all being done. Great question by the way. Very solid job reaching out.

Good thoughts. Would also support some sort of social media approach which could be directed only to students (inside the Dome). Discounts / prizes and some sort of interaction function linked with other students in attendance. Spit balling here.

 

[SUbear]

The one issue that should be addressed prior to next season is the process where the university confirms who purchased the Orange seat backs. For the second straight year I arrived for the opening game only to find out that my seat back which I purchased in July was not installed again this season. Three other people in my row also purchased seat backs so we spent 30 minutes at guest services trying to get the mess straightened out. There were some very frustrated season tickets holders at guest services who had proof on their iPhones that they purchased the seat backs but guest services refused to install them. Our seats were ultimately installed shortly after kickoff but there should be a better system in place to prevent this from happening every year. One thought is to give every season ticket holder a seat back at no cost as a way to say thank you for supporting the football program.

Ditto for me, I was even told they would not be installed until the next game. I vehemently protested and they were finally installed about mid way through the first quarter.

 

[Crusty]

Since it is Veteran's Day:

Keep the Fort Drum/10th Mountain Division connection.

Honor our vets as his been done all season--outstanding!

Free tickets for soldiers from Fort Drum and their families.

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[CUSU]

CUSU - I believe a local company makes LED lights for Stadiums. Can't remember the name of company but they specialize in "instant on LED"!lighting and placement. The money spent on new lights is often paid for over time. But that would be too smart of a thing to do right?

Not sure what company is doing the IPF, but one local company that does LED lighting is Aquarii out of Camillus.

http://www.aquariitech.com/home/sports-lighting/

 

[mountaincuse]

More band! Less TK99. Need a new intro song and new third down song.

Instructional videos on how the crowd should interact with the band. First down (S-Y-R-A-C-U-S-E, Go!), third down (get lid, no freaking keys), third down stop, etc. Teach people how to be interactive.

Don't have people break down the quad until midway through the first. This town is late and if there is no excitement on the quad they won't be amped up when they walk in. Music, etc to keep the atmosphere there.

Make the parking lot transportation better - again, make it interactive and fun. Nothing kills a tailgate mood better than a 15 minute bus ride with introverts.

Make it easier to tailgate and encourage it, make it a scene. Stop raising parking prices with no change in product received. Teach parking staff that it is ok for people to tailgate - putting a tent in one spot of a non populated lot is not the end of the world. Traveling cheerleaders, contests, etc.

 

[Full_Rebar]

My last game this year was Maryland so maybe some of these things changed, but here are some thoughts:
- why does Otto ride out on the motorcycle and then nothing? The crowd started making noise and then when the team didn't follow, the buzz quickly died.
- I like the DJ and think that it would be great to connect him and the band at certain points. There are at least two songs I can think of which use marching band (Morris Brown-Outkast and Lose My Breath-Destinys Child) sound and might sound cool if the band is playing while the DJ mixes
- Better use of the ribbon boards - more stats/scores/ads, less of the #orangenation tweets
- Love the idea of former players interacting with fans.
- Better incentives for season ticket holders. Others have mentioned how pro teams do this. Give people access to practices, or "chalk-talk" sessions with coaches/admins.
- Better promotions. Get Borkowski to do artwork of former players or classic SU moments and get sponsors to cover the cost for 10-15k posters for each game.
- If you want an alternate helmet, slap the 44 axes on an orange helmet and wear them for Military Appreciation Day. It's trendy, unique and it actually means something to Syracuse unlike art-deco gradient numbers.

 

[CuseOnly]

However they only exit out of a given number of tunnels

To make the dome roof look a little more festive and not a cavernous as another fan put it. Why not add some orange and blue lights that shine on the dome roof and turn it from grey to Orange and blue.

Also, I posted previously about real grilled food stations outside the dome at each gate with real grilled Hoffman hot dogs, Gianelli Sausage, good burgers, Kielbasa, real deep fried fresh cut french fries, chicken tenders, etc. That way you don't have to worry about fume hoods and indoor health dept bullcrap and the food would be real and not steamed.

Just like you allow people to go out and smoke at certain gates, let people go out and get real food at each gate and re-enter. I think you would be amazed how it clears the concourse during halftime, gets people real food and gets them back in the game. If a few people sneak in during that time so be it, more people cheering for the orange.

Just a thought and wouldn't be expensive as you could contract out the space to different vendors and make money.

 

[Crusty]

To make the dome roof look a little more festive and not a cavernous as another fan put it. Why not add some orange and blue lights that shine on the dome roof and turn it from grey to Orange and blue.

Also, I posted previously about real grilled food stations outside the dome at each gate with real grilled Hoffman hot dogs, Gianelli Sausage, good burgers, Kielbasa, real deep fried fresh cut french fries, chicken tenders, etc. That way you don't have to worry about fume hoods and indoor health dept bullcrap and the food would be real and not steamed.

Just like you allow people to go out and smoke at certain gates, let people go out and get real food at each gate and re-enter. I think you would be amazed how it clears the concourse during halftime, gets people real food and gets them back in the game. If a few people sneak in during that time so be it, more people cheering for the orange.

Just a thought and wouldn't be expensive as you could contract out the space to different vendors and make money.

Orange is not our color anymore. I think you meant platinum, blue and white. Oh yes, and coppertone that shows up red on TV.

 

[Pat Kelly]

And maybe it is. However if you want to use rewards you don't want to reward those leaving after kickoff

I think after most games, most wouldn't want to bother to wait around to be checked out unless it was some outrageous prize. It would really crowd up the exits. But I do like the suggestions saying to paint the concrete walls (or even seats) orange. Don't think that would cost too too much, and it really would make it look nicer.

 

[Pat Kelly]

My last game this year was Maryland so maybe some of these things changed, but here are some thoughts:
- why does Otto ride out on the motorcycle and then nothing? The crowd started making noise and then when the team didn't follow, the buzz quickly died.
- I like the DJ and think that it would be great to connect him and the band at certain points. There are at least two songs I can think of which use marching band (Morris Brown-Outkast and Lose My Breath-Destinys Child) sound and might sound cool if the band is playing while the DJ mixes
- Better use of the ribbon boards - more stats/scores/ads, less of the #orangenation tweets
- Love the idea of former players interacting with fans.
- Better incentives for season ticket holders. Others have mentioned how pro teams do this. Give people access to practices, or "chalk-talk" sessions with coaches/admins.
- Better promotions. Get Borkowski to do artwork of former players or classic SU moments and get sponsors to cover the cost for 10-15k posters for each game.
- If you want an alternate helmet, slap the 44 axes on an orange helmet and wear them for Military Appreciation Day. It's trendy, unique and it actually means something to Syracuse unlike art-deco gradient numbers.

I actually think adding a 44ax logo to a helmet instead of an S as an alternative is a great idea. Really would promote what I think is a great logo. Someone put stickers withe the axes all over stoplight and streetlight poles near the University--pretty cool.

Also, how much control is DJ Maestro really getting? Seems like they play the same 6 songs every game.

 

[RICuse44]

My last game this year was Maryland so maybe some of these things changed, but here are some thoughts:
- why does Otto ride out on the motorcycle and then nothing? The crowd started making noise and then when the team didn't follow, the buzz quickly died.
- I like the DJ and think that it would be great to connect him and the band at certain points. There are at least two songs I can think of which use marching band (Morris Brown-Outkast and Lose My Breath-Destinys Child) sound and might sound cool if the band is playing while the DJ mixes
- Better use of the ribbon boards - more stats/scores/ads, less of the #orangenation tweets
- Love the idea of former players interacting with fans.
- Better incentives for season ticket holders. Others have mentioned how pro teams do this. Give people access to practices, or "chalk-talk" sessions with coaches/admins.
- Better promotions. Get Borkowski to do artwork of former players or classic SU moments and get sponsors to cover the cost for 10-15k posters for each game.
- If you want an alternate helmet, slap the 44 axes on an orange helmet and wear them for Military Appreciation Day. It's trendy, unique and it actually means something to Syracuse unlike art-deco gradient numbers.

Love the alternate helmet. Just make it orange

 

[Crusty]

My last game this year was Maryland so maybe some of these things changed, but here are some thoughts:
- why does Otto ride out on the motorcycle and then nothing? The crowd started making noise and then when the team didn't follow, the buzz quickly died.
- I like the DJ and think that it would be great to connect him and the band at certain points. There are at least two songs I can think of which use marching band (Morris Brown-Outkast and Lose My Breath-Destinys Child) sound and might sound cool if the band is playing while the DJ mixes
- Better use of the ribbon boards - more stats/scores/ads, less of the #orangenation tweets
- Love the idea of former players interacting with fans.
- Better incentives for season ticket holders. Others have mentioned how pro teams do this. Give people access to practices, or "chalk-talk" sessions with coaches/admins.
- Better promotions. Get Borkowski to do artwork of former players or classic SU moments and get sponsors to cover the cost for 10-15k posters for each game.
- If you want an alternate helmet, slap the 44 axes on an orange helmet and wear them for Military Appreciation Day. It's trendy, unique and it actually means something to Syracuse unlike art-deco gradient numbers.

"Chalk talk" sessions is a great idea. I think folks would even pay something to attend. I have watched all of Shafer's videos and it really helped to understand how he thinks.

 

[GoCuse44]

CUSU - I believe a local company makes LED lights for Stadiums. Can't remember the name of company but they specialize in "instant on LED"!lighting and placement. The money spent on new lights is often paid for over time. But that would be too smart of a thing to do right?

The company is Ephesus Lighting out of Syracuse who installed new stadium lights for the 2015 Super Bowl. They have been installed at the Onondaga County War Memorial and they are fantastic.

 

[mountaincuse]

Also, how much control is DJ Maestro really getting? Seems like they play the same 6 songs every game.

Ha! "Tweet your beats", and I'll ignore those while I play this song again

 

[Crusty]

The company is Ephesus Lighting out of Syracuse who installed new stadium lights for the 2015 Super Bowl. They have been installed at the Onondaga County War Memorial and they are fantastic.

I wonder where the name came from. Ephesus of course is a BC city with no lights except torches! It is one of the most fascinating places I have ever been. Could the founders be Turkish or maybe Greek?

 

[Scooch]

I'll echo those who suggested a focus on educating the crowd about cheers, chants, etc. Honestly, it's utterly embarrassing how awful SU fans are at that stuff.

SU has tons of history and traditions that have been forgotten and ignored. Bring some back and don't be half-assed about it.

 

[Cheriehoop]

I think after most games, most wouldn't want to bother to wait around to be checked out unless it was some outrageous prize. It would really crowd up the exits. But I do like the suggestions saying to paint the concrete walls (or even seats) orange. Don't think that would cost too too much, and it really would make it look nicer.

True. I think there used to be a students gate , don't know if there still is but that would help plus if students stay through the alma mater, most fans have cleared out.

 

[omg_cuse_rules]

Change 3rd down music to the Halloween movie theme song... Way more intense than the usual hells bell

Dislike

 

[IthacaMatt]

I hear you. They have definitely added some food items and drink items which is nice. Sweet potato fries, wine slushies, loaded nachos, chicken tenders, etc.

Thanks for your hard work and thick skin, Dave. We appreciate all your efforts to improve the gameday experience. But many of those food and beverage upgrades need to be more throughout the Dome, and not just for the best sections.

 

[IthacaMatt]

Kitty Hoynes has a free shuttle as well. I believe a few other Armory bars still do this. Sharkey's in Liverpool was doing it for a while too.

They're really unreliable. I've tried many times and wound up driving up the Hill at the last minute to get a spot because there was no shuttle / bus to be found anywhere on the block. Signs denoting actual bus stops would probably help.

 

[IthacaMatt]

So many good ideas in this thread...let me add plenty the list...

1. First off, I love the "football" and "bball" intro videos. They always seem to pump me off and I still watch Doug Marrone's intro before every football game and the "bball" one before every basketball game. We obviously can make relevant as each year passes, but I really do love them.
2. Turn the dome lights off (if possible, I do not know how realistic it would be) for our player's introductions into the dome. Have Otto ride in on the motorcycle with a spotlight following him. It would feel "Chicago Bullish" ala 1998 and I think it would get people excited.
3. Like basketball, have different events pregame. Have fans on the field to throw footballs, or kick FG's. We have the curtain for bball where there are fan-friendly events on the other side which definitely can bring in the younger crowd. Allow kids/fans to come and enjoy the game experience. I do not know how this would work...but this would be a suggestion.
4. The ticket prices need to be reduced...as some people have said. Fresh out of college (luckily employed in the education field) but I think ticket prices are still too high.
5. Give students free tickets...another person elaborated on this so I will not take credit.
6. Another good idea...paint the seats orange. Another person said this as well. As well as the walls...love the idea!

Fine, I'll take credit for half of those ideas!

Loved to meet a lot of you at the tailgate for MetLife. I am a frequent lurker, but will try to contribute more to the posting community!

Single game ticket prices are much higher in order to get you to buy season tickets. It's almost insane not to buy seasons if you are bringing several people to any game, or seeing more than 3 or 4 games all year.

 

[Ozcuse]

CUSU - I believe a local company makes LED lights for Stadiums. Can't remember the name of company but they specialize in "instant on LED"!lighting and placement. The money spent on new lights is often paid for over time. But that would be too smart of a thing to do right?

Ephesus Technologies

http://www.ephesuslighting.com/

 

[SmilinBob]

Thank you for coming on here and trying to improve the product. It's greatly appreciated as are the many great ideas by those on this board.

One is a safety issue. While exiting...The road before the tennis court now has rocks which I assume are for decoration make it difficult to cross due to the buses and cars. Used to be able to walk on that side (right on way back) and not have to cross.

Embrace what makes SU...SU and Syracuse. Instead of Otto and a motor cycle and smog... a snowmobile and snow. Orange and blue throughout the dome.

The cheer leader thing is embarrassing. The crowd has beer, food, complaining and peeing on their mind. I want more of a college feel but for some reason it just doesn't work in the Dome, I wish it could.

Figure out a way to get people in the Dome before the kids come out of the tunnel. There is no doubt all these noon games play a part in this and that is out of your control. That being said, if it is a noon game maybe something that can go with that since DD is a sponsor they could figure out a way to tie this in? Maybe a free coffee if you have your ticket scanned 30 minutes before kickoff?

 

[ssmorol]

Clean/brighten up the dome. It's got a dark, cavernous feel to even when full. Adding orange in the seating areas has been mentioned (and should be addressed) but also the large concrete faces behind the 300s could stand to be orange as well. Would make the place appear more expansive and full. Even with fans to the wall, it appears empty. The orange at the back of the 100s, and on the face of the 200 and 300 levels do this a bit.

Ephesus lighting! They did the War Memorial in LED lighting...looks fantastic! Local company too!

 

[ssmorol]

Lower beer prices!!