Date for 2016 Season Opener Finalized

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The date and time for new head football coach Dino Babers' Carrier Dome debut has been set.

Babers and the Orange will kick off the season at home against Colgate on Friday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. The announcement of the date for this year's season opener completes the 2016 football schedule, the balance of which was released yesterday by the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Syracuse has won the last 15 meetings with Colgate dating back to 1951, including all four pairings held in the Carrier Dome. The Orange and Raiders last met in 2010. Syracuse emerged with a 42-7 victory in that game behind 172 yards rushing and four touchdowns from Delone Carter.

The Raiders finished 13th in the final 2015 FCS Coaches Poll with a 9-5 record under coach Dan Hunt. They captured the Patriot League title and reached the FCS quarterfinals where they lost to Sam Houston State, 48-21.

This season marks the third straight year the Orange will open with a Friday night home game against an FCS opponent. Syracuse defeated Villanova 27-26 in two overtimes in the 2014 campaign starter, and topped Rhode Island 47-0 in last year's opener.

Deposits are being accepted online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX) for new season tickets. Fans are invited to place a $75 deposit now for new season tickets and they will be eligible to select their seat location(s) prior to season tickets going on sale to the general public. Current season ticket holders will receive their renewal information next week.

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Syracuse University Athletics

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