Killer Frogs

College Football Tour visits Syracuse and The JMA Wireless Dome

Last weekend, College Football Tour visited Syracuse reaching stadium No. 110 on the quest to experience gameday at all 134 FBS venues.

Andrew Bauhs

The JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse
The JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse / Andrew Bauhs - College Football Tour
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Editor's Note:
Andrew Bauhs of College Football Tour is a college football superfan. He is on a journey to attend a game at all 134 FBS stadiums. His desire is to have a very immersive experience so he can tell the stories of the traditions, rivalries, mascots, bands, and fans that make each venue unique.

During the 2024 football season, Andrew will share his adventures through descriptions of the gameday experience, complemented by photos and videos. The stadium reviews will provide insight into what makes gameday special at each location. Thus far, he has experienced 109 of the 134 FBS venues.

Last week, he visited Syracuse and the JMA Wireless Dome, marking his 110th stadium on the quest for 134.

College Football Tour Visits Syracuse and the JMA Wireless Dome

Central New York is highlighted by the city of Syracuse - home of the Syracuse Orange. Since 1980, the football squad has played their games in the only on-campus dome in the FBS. This structure, once the Carrier Dome and now the JMA Dome, is an iconic cathedral of college football known especially for the high decibel levels it conjures. Housing both basketball and football, this stadium has hosted some of the most memorable moments in sports. The venue is instantly recognizable for Syracuse athletics.

JMA Wireless Dome
Outside the JMA Wireless Dome / Andrew Bauhs

Football gamedays swell the campus surrounding the dome with color and sound. The Quad is the epicenter of pregame as fans gather to welcome the team as they deboard their buses and venture towards the dome. The Syracuse University Marching Band assembles on the steps of Hendricks Chapel to provide the soundtrack for the team walk. The sound of “Down the Field” descends the steps and into the hearts of all the onlooking supporters who proudly bleed orange. 

Syracuse University Marching Band
Syracuse University Marching Band performs at the Hendricks Chapel. / Andrew Bauhs - College Football Tour

Once inside the Dome, it quickly becomes clear why it’s nicknamed “The Loud House.” Fan freneticism reflects off its interior walls and boomerangs back. It’s a level of sound that generates static in the ears, thus cloaking the venue in intimidation. The JMA Dome is a powerful arena that leaves an intense impact.

Syracuse University Cheer
Syracuse University Cheer at The Quad / College Football Tour

The spirit squads and Otto the Orange accentuate the scene as festive symbols of Syracuse. Otto has been a beloved symbol of pride on campus since 1980. Two navy blue legs hold up a 10-pound orange sphere topped with a plus-sized Syracuse ball cap. To look at Otto summons a smile, and to watch him spiritedly flail about inspires joy and laughter. He represents the love for Syracuse in these parts.

Otto the Orange
Otto the Orange / College Football Tour

A special aspect of football gamedays is the ubiquitous nature of the number 44. It was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s when three All-American running backs and College Football Hall of Famers wore 44 on the gridiron. These three icons, Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little, cemented 44's legacy. From then on, this number represented greatness, and only a few players wore it since until 2005, when it was retired. Now, the legend of 44 has become part of the Syracuse community as both the campus phone numbers and zip codes start and end with 44, respectively. On gamedays, fans flood the town with apparel emblazoned with the iconic number. 44 is Syracuse culture.

Syracuse 44
The 44-yard line is emphasized to showcase this legendary number at Syracuse. / Andrew Bauhs

All of these symbols and traditions showcase how the Syracuse spirit spreads far beyond sports and scoreboards. The town and team are one community highlighted in orange. - a phenomenon that is uniquely college football.

College Football Tour Stadium Stories

TCU Horned Frogs On SI (aka KillerFrogs) has featured several of Andrew's adventures. View those stories here:

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Andrew Bauhs
ANDREW BAUHS

Andrew runs College Football Tour, which documents his journey to thoroughly experience gameday at every FBS stadium. A graduate and fan of the University of Wisconsin, his love for TCU emerged from College Football Tour’s visit to Fort Worth in 2021.

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