Carrier Dome to Feature New Look

By Lou Sorendo

Home sweet dome. Significant changes are occurring at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus, where a $118 million project is transforming what SU Athletic Director John Wildhack refers to as one of the most iconic venues in all of American sports.

“This is a really important venue for this community and region,” he said.

“We want to improve the entertainment and fan experience, which is something we focus on constantly,” he said.

Wildhack said construction is happening in a top-down approach, and when complete, the dome will feature a new fixed roof, much needed state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a four-sided vertically hung scoreboard designed to create a “wow” factor, improved accessibility and added Wi-Fi capabilities.

“We want to make the experience of our guests and patrons who come to the dome the best it can possibly be,” he said.

While the ticket sales staff was relocated from the dome to the Ensley Athletic Center as a result of construction, it is business as usual at the dome despite the construction project.

“I give tremendous credit to our facilities staff, led by Pete Sala. The dome is a construction site, yet we are still competing in it,” said Wildhack, noting it does impact the men’s and women’s basketball teams in terms of access at certain times.

However, Wildhack said the most exciting aspect of the project is it’s under way after having been on the drawing board for a long period of time.