ORLANDO, Fla.— No. 20 Syracuse (9-3, 6-2 Atlantic Coast) participated in a Camping World Bowl pregame pep rally on Thursday night at Pointe Orlando. Orange fans gathered on the opposite side of the outdoor mall that West Virginia fans piled around 45 minutes prior. Both teams had their head coaches and select alumni speak sandwiched between performances by the marching band.
Syracuse's band arrived about 30 minutes prior to the start of the pep rally and began playing for the crowd.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
The band played “New York, New York” among other songs.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Several speakers were on stage throughout the pep rally which was MC’ed by Matt Park.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Several hundred fans gathered at Pointe Orlando at 4:45 p.m. on Friday night.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Otto and the Syracuse cheer squad made the trip down to Orlando.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
The Syracuse fans were responsive to speakers on stage, even starting a “Dino” chant before the Syracuse head coach started speaking.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Babers started his famous “whose house” chant after being prompted by several fans.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Kieran O’Halloran directed the SU marching band through several songs.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Donovin Darius, the 1997 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, spoke to Orange fans, noting his favorite part of his time at SU was the family aspect of the University.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse announced that they sold out their 7,000 person allotment of tickets prior to the bowl game.
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Babers quipped at the rally that West Virginia was ranked higher than them “for a reason. But that doesn’t mean it’s true, it’s just a reason.”
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
Syracuse fans joined in on several chants including a “Let’s go Orange.”
Max Freund | Staff Photographer
The Orange marching band closed off the show with the SU fight song.
Max Freund | Staff PhotographerPublished on December 27, 2018 at 6:23 pm Contact Max: mefreund@syr.edu
