AllHailOtto
Walk On
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2025
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With all of the recent media discussion regarding new in-game features surrounding the basketball program and in-game experience in general (articles linked below), I thought it may be interesting to have a general conversation regarding the in-game atmosphere at football games. This is not centered on the physical dome upgrades, Miron Victory Court, ‘Cuse on the quad, etc. (most of which I think have been great! Minus the reseating of season ticket holders but I digress), but the the vibes in the dome itself between the opening and final whistles.
In my opinion as an alum and season ticket holder, SU has been behind the eight ball for years at this point when it comes to in-game atmosphere. I think that this falls on the school and the fans for not wanting to or coordinating in a meaningful way to create a unique experience. Certain things have been traditions or welcomed additions such as the train horn after touchdowns, the bells on third down, or the attempts to utilize the modern technology in the Dome. Even the wheel of cams gets the fans engaged which beats listening to the same music that the Dome plays during timeouts that it has for years.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives for me overall. For instance, when comparing our “light shows” with that of other power four programs you can really see the difference. Granted, Cuse playing almost exclusively day games/nooners dampen those efforts. But even when we have night games to utilize these features, I think there is potential for much better ideas. Other things just bother me from a game presentation perspective and makes me wonder if the coordinator of these events is fluent in football. For example, showing the artificial noise meter in a tv timeout before our offense starts a drive. I also don’t think we’ve updated our graphics packages for the boards since the dome renovations were completed.
Another issue I’ve noticed is that SU just seems content with just taking ideas from other schools and trying to tailor them to SU. Not bad in theory, but the best traditions emerge organically. Trying to morph Penn State’s zombie nation chant to C-U-S-E isn’t working. We also don’t have a unique entrance. Sorry, we aren’t Miami and all the smoke and sparklers won’t change that fact.
Even little things like joining the band spelling out Syracuse after the fight song could go a long way with improving fan interaction. This is coupled with the fact that other than Let’s Go Orange, as a fanbase, we do not have any other coordinated chants or cheers. Not to mention, when they try and shoe horn in a forced chant during a tv timeout.
Overall, the blame can’t be placed on any one group. It’ll take a concerted effort from SU, the fans, the students, etc. to try new ideas and make our own magic. I just get the sense that it is always just the bare minimum and not trying to truly make a unique environment. When it’s full and rocking, there’s no better place in college football to be. I think focus on all of the other enhancements could set it over the top.
One idea that I’ve seen from other stadiums/arenas is having a fan of the game. The stadium cameras roam the crowd and focus in on individuals that stand out and get the crowd fired up. They then pick finalists and have a final crowd vote for the winner.
Interested to hear other people’s thoughts or ideas. Go Orange!
Syracuse football: what’s it like returning to the Dome as alum?
What are those giant Xs on the SU hoops scoreboard and how do they involve fans?
In my opinion as an alum and season ticket holder, SU has been behind the eight ball for years at this point when it comes to in-game atmosphere. I think that this falls on the school and the fans for not wanting to or coordinating in a meaningful way to create a unique experience. Certain things have been traditions or welcomed additions such as the train horn after touchdowns, the bells on third down, or the attempts to utilize the modern technology in the Dome. Even the wheel of cams gets the fans engaged which beats listening to the same music that the Dome plays during timeouts that it has for years.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives for me overall. For instance, when comparing our “light shows” with that of other power four programs you can really see the difference. Granted, Cuse playing almost exclusively day games/nooners dampen those efforts. But even when we have night games to utilize these features, I think there is potential for much better ideas. Other things just bother me from a game presentation perspective and makes me wonder if the coordinator of these events is fluent in football. For example, showing the artificial noise meter in a tv timeout before our offense starts a drive. I also don’t think we’ve updated our graphics packages for the boards since the dome renovations were completed.
Another issue I’ve noticed is that SU just seems content with just taking ideas from other schools and trying to tailor them to SU. Not bad in theory, but the best traditions emerge organically. Trying to morph Penn State’s zombie nation chant to C-U-S-E isn’t working. We also don’t have a unique entrance. Sorry, we aren’t Miami and all the smoke and sparklers won’t change that fact.
Even little things like joining the band spelling out Syracuse after the fight song could go a long way with improving fan interaction. This is coupled with the fact that other than Let’s Go Orange, as a fanbase, we do not have any other coordinated chants or cheers. Not to mention, when they try and shoe horn in a forced chant during a tv timeout.
Overall, the blame can’t be placed on any one group. It’ll take a concerted effort from SU, the fans, the students, etc. to try new ideas and make our own magic. I just get the sense that it is always just the bare minimum and not trying to truly make a unique environment. When it’s full and rocking, there’s no better place in college football to be. I think focus on all of the other enhancements could set it over the top.
One idea that I’ve seen from other stadiums/arenas is having a fan of the game. The stadium cameras roam the crowd and focus in on individuals that stand out and get the crowd fired up. They then pick finalists and have a final crowd vote for the winner.
Interested to hear other people’s thoughts or ideas. Go Orange!
Syracuse football: what’s it like returning to the Dome as alum?
What are those giant Xs on the SU hoops scoreboard and how do they involve fans?
