Day in the Dome: Fans in orange revel in SU football’s victorious return
Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
When Syracuse University senior Charles Savary walked into the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, he was certain of one thing: the Orange were going to win their first game of the season.
“It’s the season opener, everyone’s looking forward to going back to the football season,” Savary said. “We should kill it.”
In a few hours, Savary’s prediction was proven correct. SU shellacked the New Hampshire Wildcats in a four-hour game that ended with a 66-3 score. However, the win is only one part of the game day experience, and many Orange fans have routines to make their time supporting the team special. Even if Syracuse weather may disrupt some rituals, many SU students still flock to the Dome.
SU junior Collin Smith started his game day off early with eggs, bacon and music with his friends at home. He later left with them for a few rounds of tailgating at Castle Court before finally heading to the Dome. He said he valued tailgating all the more because of his friends, though that hasn’t affected his game attendance.
“I’ve been to every single Syracuse home game (since enrolling) except for one, and I’ve been to two away games,” Smith said.
Sometimes, the spectators make the day memorable. Whether it’s the shouts of “you can’t do that” when the opposing team receives a penalty or supporters wearing orange-and-blue overalls, there’s always something to see — besides the football, that is.
Smith, who sported the dual-colored overalls, said they weren’t just a stylistic choice; they were also valued by fans of all genders for the exceptional level of comfort they provided.
“There’s nothing better to wear for a game day,” Smith said. “I’ve worn them to every single football game, home and away.”
The dome’s acoustics were another important mood-setter for the game. As soon as the SU football team took the field and the pyrotechnics went off, the student section erupted in cheers. The overall sound bounced off the Dome’s ceiling, amplifying it to the volume of a jet engine. Shaking, the stands radiated excitement.
WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT
From Dome Dogs to Castle, a first-year’s guide to Syracuse University slang
From Dome Dogs to the Kissing Bench, The Daily Orange breaks down lingo used by Syracuse University students.
Nearly everyone in the student section stood for the first quarter — a sign of their enthusiasm. Though after the first couple of touchdowns in the early minutes, people began sitting in their seats. As the penalty-heavy game progressed, fans increasingly dissented against the referee’s decisions. With all the standing and yelling, it’s no surprise fans became hungry.
Football games typically go for three-plus hours, so food inevitably comes into the picture. The Dome’s concession stands were busy all day. SU students could be seen holding chicken tenders, cheeseburgers and french fries, which were by far the most popular concession items available. However, SU sophomore Neema Ashey said one menu item in particular excited her.
“The Dome Dogs are why I come,” Ashey said. “We just found out there’s a student discount for two dollars, so get a Dome Dog.”
After halftime, the Dome started to empty out. One possible reason was the score, which stood at 41-0 and would’ve been nearly impossible for the Wildcats to come back from. Smith said SU was just getting started.
“They’re just showing off, making sure they know what team they are and making sure they’re good at every position,” Smith said.
Sarvay was satisfied with the result, but his favorite part of the day happened before the players even took the field: walking into the Dome alongside several hundred of his peers, united in support of their school.
“It just makes me feel proud to represent Syracuse, being a part of the student body,” Savary said. “There’s something special about being a college student in general, especially at Syracuse, wearing that orange.”
