Syracuse's number one rival is Georgetown Hoyas. These two were ranked in the top ten way back in 1980. Their rivalry continues up until now, meeting numerous times over the past years. There is no doubt that when these two face, fans of both teams would swarm the stadium to cheer their lungs out.
Syracuse vs UConn
Rival Team: Connecticut Huskies
The rivalry between Syracuse and UConn began in 1956. However, it didn’t peak until both teams entered the Big East in 1979. From 1979 to 2013, the Syracuse-UConn rivalry was one of the best in the Big East producing many incredible matchups including a six overtime thrill in the 2009 Big East Tournament. The rivalry may have dissipated a bit since the original Big East disbanded, but you’ll still be in for a treat when attending a Syracuse-UConn game.
Syracuse vs Pitt
Rival Team: Pittsburgh Panthers
Syracuse and Pitt have been battling out on the court since the Panthers joined the Big East in 1982. The rivalry and tension between the two teams have recently moved over to the ACC, so make sure to get tickets when the Orange long-time rivals come to town.
One of the greatest basketball rivalries in the NCAAB started when Duke and Syracuse met in the Elite Eight of the 1966 NCAA Tournament and the Blue Devils emerge as winners, 91-81. The crowds were unfamiliar as both teams were not part of the same league, but they cheered their hearts out nonetheless. Years after, the fire and passion of both sides did not fade as they both faced each other again when Syracuse transferred to ACC in the 2013-14 season, which then soon lead to one of the most sought-after rivalries in the NCAAB.
Syracuse Orange Stadium Guide
In Game
JMA Wireless Dome is the largest venue in college basketball and has set many attendance records, so you know you’ll experience an intense atmosphere when attending a Syracuse basketball game. The people of upstate New York love the Orange, and with a venue as large as the JMA Wireless Dome there is plenty of room for the community to come out and support their team.
Over the years, the crowd inside the JMA Wireless Dome has been so consistently loud that the arena has earned the nickname the “Loud House.” The raucous crowd and incredible atmosphere inside the JMA Wireless Dome make it a trip to see a Syracuse basketball game a must for any college basketball fan.
In addition to the amazing atmosphere, you’ll also be able to take in quite a bit of history when attending a Syracuse basketball game. Banners honoring the greatest players in Orange history are hanging from the rafters and the posters around the arena allow you to see some of the best players Orange players in a variety of sports.
After the game, stop by Varsity Pizza or Acropolis if you’re in the mood for a slice. Otherwise, there are plenty of other bars and restaurants to check out as well including Faegan’s and Chuck’s. Both of which should be packed with students after the game.
Syracuse and the JMA Wireless Dome provide a fantastic game day atmosphere, and there are few better places to experience a college basketball game, so plan your trip to Syracuse today.
The JMA Wireless Dome is one of the most Iconic stadiums in college sports, as well as one of the largest and loudest indoor arenas on any campus. Its loud acoustics and historic feel make the JMA Wireless Dome a must see for any big time college sports fan.
Hanging from the rafters are the retired numbers of all of the best players in Syracuse history including Derrick Coleman, Carmelo Anthony, and Dave Bing. Check out the banners to remember all of your favorite ‘Cuse players from the past.
All around the concourse of the JMA Wireless Dome you’ll see posters of the best athletes in Syracuse history. The posters are an excellent way to honor past players, so walk around the concourse before the game and take them all in.
Otto the Orange
Otto the Orange is one of the most well-known mascots in college basketball and has been the school’s mascot since 1980, but didn’t become the official mascot until 1995. Otto energizes the crowd with his antics and is a big part of the Syracuse game day, so keep an eye out for him at the game.
JMA Wireless Dome is known as the “Loud House” and it wouldn’t get that name if Orange fans, Otto's Army as they’re known, didn’t have their share of great cheers and chants. Some of the more famous chants include the spelling out of S-Y-R-A-C-U-S-E and the “Hey Song.” If you’re attending a Syracuse game learn the chants beforehand, so you can join in on the cheers.
Sour Sitrus Society
The Syracuse pep band known as Sour Citrus Society is a big part of a ‘Cuse basketball game. The pep band livens the atmosphere with their music and can be heard at just about every stoppage in play, so enjoy the sounds of the Sour Citrus Society when attending a Syracuse basketball game.
Everyone inside the JMA Wireless Dome remains standing and clapping until the Orange make a basket. The tradition creates an electric atmosphere from the start of the game and is a great way for fans to show their support, so clap with your fellow fans until the Orange score.
Fight Songs
Down the Field
The school’s official fight song
Out upon the gridiron stands old Syracuse,
Warriors clad in orange and in blue,
Fighting for the fame of Alma Mater.
Soon those Crouse chimes will be ringing,
Soon you’ll hear those fellows singing.
Onondaga’s braves are out to win today,
The sons of Syracuse are ready for the fray,
The line holds like a wall and now the Orange has the ball,
So ready for that old long yell. Rah! Rah! Rah!
Chorus:
Down, Down the field goes old Syracuse,
Just see those backs hit the line and go thru’;
Down, down the field they go marching,
Fighting for the Orange staunch and true.
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Vict’ry’s in sight for old Syr-a-cuse,
Each loyal son knows she ne’er more will lose,
For we’ll fight, yes, we’ll fight, and with all our might
For the glory of old Syracuse.
S.U. Alma Mater
Played after every game regardless of the outcome
Where the vale of Onondaga
Meets the eastern sky
Proudly stands our Alma Mater
On her hilltop high.
Flag we love! Orange! Float for aye-
Old Syracuse, o’er thee,
Loyal be thy sons and daughters
To thy memory.
When the evening twilight deepens and the shadows fall,
Linger long the golden sunbeams on the western wall.
Flag we love, Orange,
Float for aye,
Old Syracuse o’er thee!
Loyal be thy sons and daughters
To thy memory
When the shades of life shall gather, dark the heart may be,
Still the ray of youth and love shall linger long o’er thee’.
Flag we love, Orange,
Float for aye,
Old Syracuse o’er thee!
Loyal be thy sons and daughters
To thy memory
Faegan’s pub food is prepared with fresh ingredients are sourced locally & regionally to support our CNY economy and offer the finest quality for a reasonable price.
Serves Spanish and Mexican food with love, mix up specialty cocktails made with their house-infused spirits, and organize regular events to create a lively friendly atmosphere.
From their housemade pastas, to their sauces, salads and famous Italian stretch bread, they make it all from scratch, and put their heart and soul into every menu item.
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