I love Syracuse University and my Orange teams, with Syracuse football being my first love overall. That 1987 team made me a fan for life and meeting Coach Dino Babers, who was amazing in person, solidified it for me.
But what about other Orange fans? What are things that might improve their experience or make things more fun while possibly getting more attention on the program? What could make it more personal or appealing? What could make it an event you want to be a part of?
Below are 10 items (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER) that I think could cover all of the above, which might even in some cases be more appealing to even future recruits or attracting pregame shows. Some might not be appealing at first but I think would be long-term distinctive and original. So without further ado, here are my 10 ideas.
Here’s how to enhance the Syracuse football experience.
10: Move the Syracuse Block Party or Juice Jam to coincide with football game(s). Put a concert on the quad or Skytop or possibly the Dome pregame if it won’t impact the field conditions. Bring in a recognizable performer that people will want to see and stick around for the game as well. Maybe even mix up newer and older performers to appeal to a more diverse audience.
9: Incorporate chants like soccer or wrestling use. Make it more interactive for fans to participate or to celebrate a big play. The Mob on defense could be a fun start for one and/or maybe like a “Shrader’s gonna shred ya” chant or “Don’t squint…touchdown LeQuint”. Watching Ted Lasso has made me appreciate it more and with Cotton Eyed Joe dancing gone, we should add something different and fun.
8: More local food options in concessions. I’m obviously biased but maybe adding Tully’s Tenders, Dino BBQ sandwiches, Spiedies or something might make it more enjoyable for fans to eat. Also, use more souvenir cups and bowls…I always loved the football nacho bowls and collectible Pepsi cups.
7: Let’s put Otto on the football helmets or somewhere around the field or stands. Pay homage to our mascot in a fun and loving way.
6: What about an Orange JMA Wireless Dome field or something distinctively Orange in the Dome that stands out and makes it a different environment? This team is the Syracuse ORANGE so why not embrace the name and make it more Orange? Or maybe go back to number 7 and just put a huge Orange Otto on the field somewhere.
5: One of my favorite ideas: bring back the Fastrac family deal or something similar. Once upon a time, there was a 4-ticket deal for $69 through Fastrac that also got you drinks and a pizza from Fastrac as part of the deal. If Fastrac isn’t interested, maybe find someone else who could provide a dinner and tickets deal for a family or maybe 4 tickets, a parking spot, 4 Dome Dogs, 4 Pepsis and 4 popcorns or something so a family knows in advance they don’t have to worry about spending too much money.
4: Work with local children’s charities & other income-based organizations to get younger fans involved. Kids can be loud and participate and you can add them while possibly building up the younger fan base. A recent women’s basketball day game that had an Education Day game brought with it some loud cheers from young fans cheering on the team. And many of those kids will remember that experience and could become bigger fans from the experience.
3: My other favorite idea is this one: break down some sections based on various fans. Like maybe make a section in the 300s for the Orange Crazies and another as the Otto Kids Club Family Section. There are many fans who love to cheer loudly and stand often without being harassed about it so why not give them their own section and call it the Cuse Crazies or something? And you can also add a family section in another area for those wanting cheaper tickets and to just relax with their kids.
2: This one might be more difficult but maybe find sponsors for giveaways. I know easier said than done but maybe before and during games you could feature things like kicking a field goal for money, if the team scores 40 you get a free Hofmann’s with a purchase at Heids, a jersey giveaway at smaller attendance games, or something fun and different. Virginia basketball recently did a bacon giveaway if Syracuse missed two free throws in a row and people noticed so create something fun and unique yet “similar”.
1: And my biggest goal as a Syracuse fan: build the biggest positive and supportive community of fans that makes it more attractive for players to commit to Syracuse football, and for fans to have more fun. I hate when I hear “but every fan base is like this” when we can be better. Foster a community where we support our Syracuse football players, their families and the program in general. Make it the “La Familia” Coach Babers wants it to be including the fans. Social media does not need to be a cesspool of negativity when we can make it a more powerful tool of support and encouragement for those we claim to be fans of. Also, remember that these are not professional players…they’re high school/college students, many of them will never play pro ball, and they’re simply playing for a college education and trying their best. We can choose to be an extension of their families and support them in good times and bad.