Enhancing Your Game-Day Experience at the Carrier Dome: Backcourt Activities
1/27/2003 2:18:33 PM | Men's Basketball
Sometimes it's tough to take your eyes off the SU men's basketball team, but it's impossible not to notice the blue curtain that is home to the Orangemen's 27 NCAA Tournament banners.
Just take a peek around either end of the blue draping and you'll see a whole other world. Starting an hour before tipoff and extending to the end of regulation, fans can access the festivities behind the curtain.
"Our main goal is for the fans to come here and be entertained," said Associate Director of Athletics Michael Veley. "This area gives people the opportunity to spread out, relax and really enjoy themselves."
Immediately behind the curtain, fans of all ages have the chance to participate in what Veley calls "fun-raising" at the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout. Four hoops are set up and for $1, fans get one shot to win a basketball from varying distances, according to age. Approximately $250,000 has been raised for Coaches vs. Cancer in the last seven years from the event.
Right beside the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout is the 95X Rock Box, accompanied by a prize wheel fans can spin on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Set against the east endzone are beer tents and concession stands serving a variety of foods, including Dome Dogs and pizza. Aisle 120 leads to the Carrier Dome Burger King, while aisle 127 will take you to the Italian Bistro for a more diverse cuisine.
Dozens of tables are set up for dining convenience, each capable of comfortably seating eight people. The game is shown on a 20' X 15' screen set up on the second tier, high above the activity on the ground, so fans don't miss a beat during the game.
At the center of it all is one of the Orange Shops, where SU novelties ranging from bibs to Carmelo Anthony replica jerseys can be found. If it says "SU," it's sold there.
Fans can sign up for the in-game prize giveaways until 25 minutes before tipoff behind the curtain, as well.
In addition, each game features a special event behind the curtain. Past examples include product giveaways, including a Sierra Mist porduct promotion where T-shirts and cans of Pepsi's new soda were given away, and karate demonstrations. Upcoming events include an autograph session by the SU football team and free SU basketball posters.
The promotion of Pepsi's Sierra Mist soda is just one example of how local and national corporations, as well as SU fans, benefit from the action behind the curtain.
"The fans have the opportunity to try and learn about new products, while corporations are given the opportunity to reach fans and talk about their products," said Scott Malaga, general manager of Syracuse Sports Properties.
A ticket to see the Orangemen on the hardwood has always meant seeing the best show in town. That expectation hasn?t changed and is still a reality. Come to the Dome 60 minutes before tipoff to take a trip behind the curtain. It could be more than what you bargained for.
