Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

New York state will invest $3 million to support and advance the JMA Wireless Dome renovation project. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly Member William Magnarelli made the announcement at a Tuesday afternoon press conference in the Dome. They were joined by Syracuse University leadership and athletics coaches, including head football coach Fran Brown, head women’s basketball coach Felisha-Legette-Jack and head men’s basketball coach Adrian Autry.

“The Dome is not only a monument in the Syracuse landscape but in our community’s culture as well,” Magnarelli said at the press conference. “Investing in the Dome will allow Syracuse University to continue to bring world-class sporting events and entertainment to the Syracuse community.”

The state funds will help cover costs associated with current renovations that are already underway in the Dome, such as its replacement of all aluminum bench seats with chairback seats. Current renovations also include modifications to stairs and railings to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, as well as an upgraded building-wide fire alarm system and a new smoke evacuation system. These improvements are expected to be completed by the fall.

The investment from the state comes in addition to the recently-finished $120 million transformation project that began construction in 2020. Renovations consisted of a new roof, air conditioning, installation of a 5G network and accessibility improvements.

“Syracuse University is not just renovating a building, but reshaping an entire experience,” said John Wildhack, SU’s director of athletics. “We’re shaping a future where student-athletes, fans and our community can enjoy an unparalleled experience every time they play in, attend an event or visit the Dome. With the new football season just around the corner, I am confident the environment will be more electric than ever.”

Additionally, SU is in the process of constructing Miron Victory Court, a 26,000 square-foot court that will create two new enclosed entrances between the Dome and the Barnes Center at The Arch, among other projects. Construction on the new space is set to finish this fall.

Published on July 23, 2024 at 3:05 pm

Contact Cooper at: ccandrew@syr.edu | @cooper_andrews