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If Syracuse University gets one thing right, it’s school spirit. Game days bring the entire campus to life, and everyone dresses in their best spiritwear. Once in the JMA Wireless Dome, the energy pulls you in. The DJ blasts music, lights pulse and the marching band plays hit songs for the crowd to sing.

If that atmosphere alone isn’t enough, what happens before the game is even more spirited. The biggest and arguably best tailgate happens directly on the Shaw Quadrangle.

‘Cuse on the Quad is a massive event that begins three hours before each home game and builds excitement for the game until it kicks off. Tents, merch stands and concessions line the Quad for fans to enjoy. Events like these bring the student body together and make the SU experience meaningful.

Gameday is an imperative element in having a spirited four years at SU, and all students must take advantage of it. As the last home game approaches, I encourage everyone to capitalize on the last opportunity to experience tailgating this season. As a sophomore, I feel reminiscent of the first time I experienced SU’s incredible school spirit with my friends.

I remember the first time I went to ‘Cuse on the Quad as a clarinet player in the marching band and felt the excitement of joining a community that rallies so passionately for its teams. Seeing fans gathered to cheer on our football team is a wonderful, unifying feeling. Tailgating has been an SU tradition for many years, and fans are dedicated to keeping pre-game spirits high.

My favorite part of ‘Cuse on the Quad is the marching band’s performance. We start by marching onto the steps of Hendricks Chapel two hours before kickoff. Our performance lasts about 45 minutes and includes our pregame, halftime show and fan-favorite songs such as “Hey Baby,” “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “Runaway Baby.” People cheer and sing along as we play and swing our horns.

Another draw of ‘Cuse on the Quad comes from the game’s sponsors. Many large brands will hand out SU merch, drinks and even gift cards. As a college student, I don’t take my free gifts for granted.

Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown also brought back the team walk, a beloved tradition, to ‘Cuse on the Quad. The entire football team and staff walk in the middle of the Quad in front of the Hendricks Chapel steps, as cheerleaders and the dance team line the football team’s path.

Brown has transformed the Quad walk into a memorable experience, enlisting the entire spirit squad to help make the walk upbeat and exciting. When he began last year, he mentioned how it was not up to his standards, so he redesigned the event to draw a larger crowd. With players shaking hands, taking pictures and even signing things for fans, the Quad walk is a wonderful way to cheer on the football team before the game up close.

Watching as people come together to support their school is moving. SU is such a massive school, and is home to people with vastly different backgrounds. The football games are the best way to come together as a campus and celebrate the one thing we all love: our school.

Although the events on the Quad are incredible, fans may be tempted to go to other tailgates on or off campus. With all of the incredible opportunities happening on the Quad, no other tailgate could be worth more of your time. If you haven’t gone to the Quad before an SU football game yet, make it a priority next home game. It’s an experience that all Syracuse students and fans can’t miss.

Mars Schrag is an undergraduate student majoring in Applied Data Analytics. They can be reached at mhschrag@syr.edu.

Published on November 19, 2025 at 8:36 pm