SU Updates Dome Attendance Plan

By Bradley Hoppenstein

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – It had been 370 days since fans packed the Carrier Dome, but on Saturday Syracuse University became the first major college in New York State to reopen its stadium to fans. Governor Cuomo announced in February that a limited number of fans could return to indoor venues, but SU’s plan wasn’t approved until late last Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, Syracuse University sent out an email informing last year’s season ticket holders that they could attend Saturday’s men’s lacrosse game, with the cap being at 900 students. 

After the first game was only open to last year’s season ticket holders, the University is opening up tickets for this Sunday’s women’s lacrosse game to first-year and transfer students. 

Under the approved plan by the State, students need a COVID test 24 hours before the game, and another upon arrival at the stadium. 

Once a negative test result is confirmed, students can then go to their pre-marked, SU designated, socially distanced seats, with no more than four students sitting with each other. 

Even though Syracuse planned for 900 students to go to the game last weekend, only about 250 actually attended. Under New York State policy, indoor venues can host up to 10% of their capacity. For SU’s Carrier Dome, this means its maximum number of fans this season could be about 4,900. However, the University has not made any public announcement of a plan to increase the number of fans who can attend future games in person.