Syracuse Football: 5 reasons to attend the Orange hosting Wagner

Syracuse football (Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
Syracuse football (Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)

Sports fans are a fickle bunch sometimes or at least a portion of them are at times, and that’s true when it pertains to Syracuse football and its peers across the country. For instance, when the Orange was in the Big East, some fans weren’t satisfied with the football schedule.

They said they didn’t want to see Syracuse football (and other Orange sports) play certain teams because it wasn’t attractive enough. Now with Syracuse in the ACC, that isn’t said as often but we still hear it once or twice a season.

One such game this season is this week as FCS-level team the Wagner Seahawks visits the JMA Wireless Dome. And listen, if you can’t attend or choose not to do so, I’m not here to insult you or shame you one bit. But I do take issue some when I hear “But it’s Wagner, why should I care about that game and bother going?”

So to counter that, let me try to briefly share why I think attending the Wagner is worth your time and money if you can.

Here’s why you should cheer on Syracuse football in person when the Orange hosts Wagner.

Homecoming/Orange Central

If you’re a Syracuse University alumnus, this is your weekend to revisit the campus and enjoy the festivities. If you’re a potential student, this might be a good chance to talk to alumni about the university and programs available to graduates/network.

I wish I had gone to Syracuse. I love sitting on the quad and just enjoying the beautiful view of the university and the optimistic students working towards their dream careers and then walking in as the doors open to grab my food and watch the game.

Inexpensive tickets

Games like Wagner generally mean cheaper tickets or maybe even finding season tickets not being used. This is a great chance if you do want to catch a game but save a little money to go. You can find very inexpensive tickets online (though be careful of service charges as well if you’re not familiar with the website) and maybe even ask around to see if someone can’t use theirs.

Oftentimes, the costs of a game especially with a family can add up if you also include gas to get there, parking and concessions so those few dollars off per ticket can be stretched further.

Better seats are more likely open

And with inexpensive tickets, if you wanted to watch the game from closer to the field than you’re used to, this is likely the game. Now I know some of the best fan experiences in the Dome happen in the 300 level but if you wanted to take a game to sit closer and save money, the Wagner game probably has more open seats all around.

Wouldn’t it be cool to sit close enough to the end zone that you might get a high five after a touchdown or close enough to the bench you can tell star running back Sean Tucker how much you love him and he may actually hear you?

Team still worthy of support

This is still YOUR Syracuse football team! Is it fair to them to just not show and not support them simply because you think the opponent is less than what you feel is worthy? I get it if you’d rather it be Colgate or something more local but this is still a chance to cheer the team we love and be there to support them.

Don’t forget that the players and coaches can not only feed off crowds but also recognize if there’s a lack of crowd and support.

Fan experience in person

I love the local radio broadcasts. I’m a homer and I like the play call slightly biased towards me but fair as well. Having spent around 30 years in NC and practically 30 years away from CNY, I finally get to hear more of the local side of my favorite teams. And since Covid especially, my anxiety is bad in crowds so I get it if you can’t go for one reason or another.

But nothing is better than actually going if you get the chance. Putting on your favorite Syracuse football game attire. Tailgating before the game whether it’s in a parking lot or on the quad. Sharing the experience with fellow fans equally as excited after a big play.

Watching the team run onto the field and cheering them on. Being a part of the noise that impacts the opponent’s play. Partaking in the band march to Varsity Pizza for the banner flip. And remembering those moments in the game later and making memories with family and friends.