“The JMA Wireless Dome has sat at the heart of Syracuse University’s campus for decades,” says Heastie. “Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli was committed to ensuring this stadium is around for future generations to enjoy and I’m honored to join him and so many members of the Syracuse University community here today for this announcement.”

Syracuse University leaders, Orange coaches and local elected officials gather in the JMA Wireless Dome during a July 23 press conference announcing new funding to support ongoing renovations of the facility. (Photo by Charles Wainwright)

The new funding will be directed toward current renovations underway which include replacement of all existing aluminum bench seats with a complete seating system featuring high-impact polymer seats with backs. These renovations also include modifications to existing stairs and railings, as well as ramps and platforms, to enable the facility to achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance as a result of the physical changes created by the reseating. ADA accessible wheelchair platforms are also being added throughout the lower seating bowl, more than doubling the number of ADA wheelchair spaces. Finally, an upgraded building wide fire alarm system and new smoke evacuation system are being installed and new fire sprinklers are being added throughout the facility.

“The Dome is not only a monument in the Syracuse landscape but in our community’s culture as well,” says Magnarelli. “Investing in the Dome will allow Syracuse University to continue to bring world-class sporting events and entertainment to the Syracuse community. I am proud to have secured this funding for Syracuse University as it allows it to continue enhancing the opportunities for engaging residents in Central New York and visitors to our area.”

For more than 40 years, Syracuse University’s iconic Dome has served as a catalyst of economic activity benefiting the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County and the broader Central New York region. Each year, more than 935,000 visitors attend events at the Dome, and those events include concerts by some of the world’s top performers, college and professional athletic competitions, and the very best in family entertainment. The Dome also hosts local and statewide high school sports events, band competitions and other community-focused activities. As a year-round venue, Dome events and operations contribute more than $240 million in income to the Central New York economy and support more than 5,000 local jobs.

“Syracuse University is grateful for our deep partnerships with and the strong support of New York State, Speaker Heastie, Assemblymember Magnarelli and so many other elected officials and community leaders,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. “Thanks to this new funding, the University will not only be able to advance the Dome transformation but also accelerate the work. From premier entertainment experiences to exciting Orange athletic events and community gatherings, Syracuse University’s Dome has been a driver of economic vitality for over four decades. With each event, it not only entertains members of the Central New York community and visitors alike, but also fuels the local economy, generating millions in tourism dollars and supporting thousands of jobs.”

Recently, the University completed the initial work associated with its $120 million transformation that improved the visitor experience and further positioned the venue and region to compete nationally for large concerts, events and NCAA competitions. Renovations included the installation of a new fixed roof, air conditioning and a state-of-the-art 5G network, as well as significant improvements to accessibility, technology, lighting and sound, and the concession experience.

“Syracuse University is not just renovating a building, but reshaping an entire experience,” says John Wildhack ’80, director of athletics. “With a commitment to excellence, we’re shaping a future where student-athletes, fans and our community can enjoy an unparalleled experience every time they play in, attend an event or visit the Dome. With the new football season just around the corner, I am confident the environment will be more electric than ever. Thanks to terrific community and government support and partnerships, the Dome continues to be one of the most exciting venues to visit.”

As part of the work currently underway, the University is also in the process of constructing Miron Victory Court, an enclosed pedestrian concourse that will physically connect the stadium and the Barnes Center at The Arch, among other enhancements. This new space is expected to be complete later this fall.

For the most up-to-date information on the JMA Wireless Dome Transformation Project, visit . Alumni, fans and friends can visit the website to track construction progress, access seating and pricing updates, and sign up to receive notifications about the project.

Four campus welcome booths are receiving upgrades, including the installation of a stone façade on the existing concrete planters.

The work on the four locations—Euclid Avenue, University Place, South Crouse Drive and Forestry Drive—will take approximately two weeks to complete. During the day, one side of the entry booth will be closed to ensure the work is completed safely. When a lane is closed, flaggers will help keep two-way traffic moving on the open side of the entry booth. Both lanes will reopen and remain open on nights and weekends.

The South Crouse Drive welcome booth will be the first to be worked on, beginning on Tuesday, and will proceed to the other locations.

Delays in the proposed work may occur due to inclement weather and/or unforeseen circumstances. In the event of significant delays, CPDC will share revised information with the campus community. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dave Warren, associate director, CPDC, at 315.632.5238 or dcwarren@syr.edu.

The National Grid crew will be using a vacuum excavation truck to expose the underground gas piping and allow for physical inspection. If issues are found with the piping, there will likely be a repair made this week.

Due to the work, the sidewalk on the east side of College Place will be closed in this area. All pedestrians will be required to use the sidewalk on the west side, in front of Lyman Hall and Slocum Hall.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Please contact Dave Warren with Campus, Planning, Design and Construction at 315.632.5238 or dcwarren@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.

During the repair, there are no planned interruptions to building utility services in the area (domestic water, sewer, power or communication). However, the work will require a closure of a section of sidewalk and detour of pedestrian traffic at the two adjacent crosswalks to the east side of Comstock. Additionally, flaggers may be periodically provided should portions of the vehicular travel lane be required to complete the work. The work began on Monday, Oct. 9. The entire repair, including restoration, is expected to be completed this week.

Please contact Chuck Brooks, associate director for project management, at 315.729.4383 or cpbrooks@syr.edu, with any questions or concerns.

For everyone’s safety, we encourage you to remain alert in work areas, watch for route changes, heed construction flagger directions/employees at work and follow pedestrian signs.

Delays in the proposed work may occur as a result of weather and/or unforeseen circumstances. In the event that there is a significant delay, updates will be provided.

The campus community will be notified of any updates and when the issue is resolved.

Thank you for your patience.

Construction continues at the JMA Wireless Dome on the installation of upgraded chairback seating and the introduction of new premium offerings throughout the venue. The change from bench seating to chairback seating will create a new fan experience, including a new seating map and revised capacities for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s lacrosse games.

The new chairbacks will add comfort and accessibility for fans and feature a larger seat width and height. The changes to the seating will result in an adjustment to the number of seats in each row and section throughout the venue. Though the effect on each section will vary, some sections may decrease by up to 200 seats.

To accommodate these new capacities and revised seating maps, each season ticket holder will select a new seat through a coordinated seating process. The reseating process will begin in late summer with suite holders for all JMA Dome events and courtside seats for both men’s and women’s basketball. All current season ticket holders will have priority for seat selection in 2024-25.

“Syracuse Athletics is committed to presenting timely and transparent information to ensure a smooth transition for our loyal ticket holders throughout the reseating process,” says ’Cuse Athletics Fund (’CAF) Executive Director Michael Paulus. “We look forward to communicating this plan to our ’CAF members and donors in the coming months.”

The chairback seating that will replace the bench seating throughout the 100, 200 and 300 levels will be installed prior to the 2024 football season. Preparation work for the seating replacement is underway, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, with widening of aisles to 48 inches, replacement of vomitory ramps, construction of new ADA seating platforms and railing replacements. Additionally, life safety improvements include installation of new fire sprinklers, fire alarm system upgrades and the addition of a building-wide smoke evacuation system.

Elements of the JMA Wireless Dome Transformation Project anticipated for the fall of 2023 include 5G capabilities and the Kuhn Game Day Lounge presented by Hidden Level. Enhancements to the JMA Dome began in 2020 with a $118 million construction project that included a new roof, lighting and air conditioning.

For the most up-to-date information on the JMA Wireless Dome Transformation Project, visit . Alumni, fans and friends can visit the website to track construction progress, access seating and pricing updates, and sign up to become a Project Insider to receive notifications about the project.

When Irving Avenue reopens on July 21, a portion of Stadium Place will close to traffic. While vehicles will be able to enter the Irving Avenue Garage via Stadium Place, all cars will need to exit the garage via Irving Avenue. Stadium Place will reopen on Friday, Aug. 4.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Parking and Transportation Services at 315.443.4652 or parkmail@syr.edu.

The pipe replacement will begin on Monday, July 17. Project work and restoration of the site are planned to be completed by the week of July 31. Minor pedestrian detours will be required to avoid the areas of work.

Later in July, there will be short natural gas outages in Link Hall and Bowne Hall. These outages will be coordinated with building occupants and Facilities staff.

Campus, Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) will provide additional information as it becomes available. Please contact Dave Warren at CPDC at 315.632.5238 or dcwarren@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.