Oranges Overview

Fast facts

League: Atlantic Coast Conference

Head Coach: Dino Barbers

Team Mascot: Otto the Orange

Year Opened: 1980

Capacity: 49250

City / State: Syracuse / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Syracuse vs Boston College

Rival Team: Boston College Eagles

These two schools had their first encounter in 1924 when Syracuse shutout BC 10-0. The two teams played every year from 1971 to 2004 and began playing each other every year again in 2013 when the Orange joined the ACC. Syracuse holds the all-time series lead 29-19 and will look to extend it when these two teams meet next.

Syracuse vs Pitt

Rival Team: Pitt Panthers

Pitt and ‘Cuse first met in 1916 and had played each other every year since 1955. The Panthers won the first meeting 30-0 and have taken control of the series since developing a 36-31-3 lead all-time. The Orange will look to halt the Panthers two game winning streak when the two teams meet this year.

Oranges Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big deal at Syracuse, and it is best to get here around three to four hours in advance if you want to get a good spot. Also, the best place to tailgate is the West Stadium Lot, which is home to some of Syracuse’s biggest fans and largest tailgates.

Syracuse tends to have a lot of smaller tailgates since there is not a ton of parking available around the dome. This means that you’ll want to get to the game early to get a good spot. However, you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and pre-game parties as fans here love to cheer on their Orange.

Additionally, make your way to The Quad to see The Quad March and Ernie Davis Statue before the game. There’s a lot to see and do before an Orange football game, so arrive early and take it all in.

Traditions

The Quad March

Before every game, the Syracuse band performs in the quad and lead the crowd to the JMA Wireless Dome. If you want to catch the band before the game, make sure to be in the quad around an hour before kickoff.

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Pizza Pennants

Every season Varsity Pizza hangs a pennant on the wall for each opponent on Syracuse's schedule. After a Syracuse win, the MVP of the game turns the pennant upside down.

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Ernie Davis Statue

As fans make their way from the quad to the dome, they touch the Ernie Davis statue to bring the Orange good luck.

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Where to tailgate

Oranges Stadium Guide

In Game

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. The stadium’s loud acoustics and historic feel create a unique atmosphere that is special to the dome.

While the acoustics of the dome stadium can take part of the credit for the loud and electric atmosphere in the JMA Wireless Dome, the fans also deserve the lion’s share of the credit. The fans are very passionate about their team and provide a great atmosphere with some of their signature chants, such as S-Y-R-A-C-U-S-E and the “Hey Song.” If you get the chance to catch a game at the JMA Wireless Dome be sure to take it as it is a one of a kind experience.

Things to check out

JMA Wireless Dome

The dome is one of the most iconic stadiums in college sports as well as one of the loudest making it a must see for all college sports fans. Regardless of what sport you see at the JMA Wireless Dome, you’ll have an excellent time taking in a game at one of the most historic venues in college sports.

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Otto's Entrance

Before every game Syracuse mascot Otto the Orange is carried out in front of the student section before the team taking the field. His arrival gets the crowd pumped and ready to blow the roof off of the stadium as they cheer on the Orange.

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Key Plays

On key plays such as crucial third down stops, the fans jingle their keys and make noise. This tradition is effective at giving the defense an extra boost when needed and is an excellent way to show your fan support. The acoustics of the JMA Wireless Dome make this one of the loudest traditions in college sports.

Otto's Army

Otto’s Army is the official Syracuse student section and home to the loudest fans inside the”Loud House.” You won’t be able to ignore them, so join in on Otto’s Army’s cheers and chants.

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Fight Songs

  1. 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

  2. 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.

Oranges Bars & Restaurants

  1. Mulrooney’s

    Mullys

    Enduring neighborhood sports bar with an Irish motif, a collegial atmosphere & an outdoor courtyard.

    239 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-479-6163

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  2. Faegans Pub

    Feegans Cafe and Pub

    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.

    734 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA

    315-472-4721

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Otro Cinco

    Otro Cinco

    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.

    206 S Warren St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-422-6876

    Bar website

    european - mexican - $$

  4. Pastabilities

    Pastabilities

    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.

    311 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-701-0224

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Brooklyn Pickle

    Brooklyn Pickle

    Authentic, GIANT deli sandwiches. Huge subs. Homemade soups. Our signature pickles and more.

    1600 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13204, USA

    315-463-1851

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Mother’s Cupboard Fish Fry & Diner

    Gus Bar & Grill Sandwich Fries Pioneer Diner Sandwich Paul Reveres Family Restaurant Sandwich Wild Magnolia Sandwich

    Massive breakfasts, including a jumbo frittata, plus fried fish in a tiny roadside shack.

    3709 James St, Syracuse, NY 13206, USA

    315-432-0942

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    Dinosaur BBQ

    Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).

    246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-476-4937

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  8. Varsity

    Varsity

    Casual Italian eatery providing pies, sandwiches, chicken wings & drinks, with outdoor seating.

    802 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA

    315-478-1235

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  9. Bistro Elephant Steakhouse

    Bistro Elephant

    A fine dining steakhouse in Armory Square featuring Dry-Aged Certified Angus Beef, Kobe Beef, Berkshire Pork, and a variety of daily fresh seafood

    238 W Jefferson St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-475-1111

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  10. Blue Tusk

    Blue Tusk

    Beer-lovers hangout with a lengthy brew list, basic pub grub & charcuterie in a convivial setting.

    165 Walton St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-472-1934

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Ale ‘n’ Angus Pub

    Ale n Angus Pub

    Watering hole offering beers ’n’ burgers & other pub grub in an unfussy environment.

    238 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

    315-426-9672

    Bar website

    american - $$