Otto's Army- Student Points

Otto's Army is the officially recognized, student-run organization that represents the student fans of Syracuse University Athletics. Any student who sits in the student section and cheers on the Orange is a part of Otto's Army!

Otto's Army was the brainchild of a few devout Syracuse University sports fans. In the early winter of 2006 a group of friends were sitting out in the cold, by gate E of the Carrier Dome, camping out for a basketball game when an idea hit them: the student section should be organized.

The real beginning of the idea started in the fall of 2005 with the creation of the list. For years students had waited out long hours in the cold but when students were allowed in, it was the one with the fastest legs that got the best seats. So a group of fans who always camped out created the now infamous “List.” The List made it a first come first serve system. Groups of four camped out with one member of the group remaining at all times. Upon opening of the gates the groups got to pick their seats based on order of arrival. Since the inception of Otto's Army “The List” system has been continued to be used, and maintained to keep order for all games.

After the inception and successful use of “The List” some of the more active student fans decided that it was time to follow in the recent wake of many Universities and form a student sports fan organization. On February 13, 2006, with the help of the traditions committee, Otto's Army became an official organization. Otto’s Army passed vote with a unanimous passing of a resolution by Syracuse University's Student Association.

Since the Otto's Army's inception the group has continued to maintain “The List” system while also increasing its role within both the University and the Syracuse area communities. First the group has done a lot to increase the amount of fans at different sporting events, including since 2007 having an official student section at Men's Lacrosse games in section 116 of the Carrier Dome. Overall the biggest thing the group has done is just getting fans to sporting events. From the start this has been the number one goal and continues to be it today. The group has also gotten involved with the fight against cancer by partaking in Relay for Life. Otto's Army in the past has organized viewing parties at Schine Student Center for Syracuse University sports teams' away games. The group has also partaken in many other events around campus and the city of Syracuse.

Though the history of Otto's Army is short and mostly just includes getting more students out to sporting events, the group's history has just begun. In the near future much will be occurring including tailgating, pep rallies, more community service, giveaways, basketball tournaments, and a large amount of other activities. In the future of Otto's Army we will make sure of one thing; that we cheer loud and proud for the Syracuse University Orange. Let's Go Orange!!!