In an ongoing effort to provide an enhanced fan experience at the Dome, Auxiliary Services engaged Michael Bekolay of Venue Hospitality Solutions to provide feedback on the facility’s food service operations and capabilities. He began his work on campus in November when he took in a home football game and examined all aspects of the concessions infrastructure. He’ll soon attend basketball games to assess how facility operations adjust to a smaller crowd and a different layout. Bekolay will also gather feedback from the Athletics department, and most importantly, from fans and visitors to the Dome.
“It’s exciting to bring someone with Michael’s background to campus,” said Jennifer Uryniak, interim director of Auxiliary Services. “We want our game-day experience to be second to none, so we look forward to hearing his recommendations as we move forward on our planned renovations.”
The Dome is in the early stages of a multiyear renovation, with a new fixed roof, a vertically hung scoreboard, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, improved accessibility and added Wi-Fi capabilities on tap for fans beginning in fall 2020.
Uryniak and her staff are looking ahead to fall 2022, when the stadium’s new concessions spaces are revealed. They are turning to Bekolay to frame out and guide the planned improvements. The approach is holistic, according to Uryniak, who says everything from the physical footprint of the concessions stands to the number of staff behind the counters is under scrutiny.
“We’re constantly hiring new staff to fill positions at concessions and merchandise stands,” said Mark Tewksbury, director of residential dining and Dome operations. “We know it will be beneficial to set a baseline, to hear from our fans to see what level of customer service they need.”
Bekolay has worked with some of the world’s most popular sports franchises, including the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys and Manchester City Football Club in the English Premier League. Venue Hospitality Solutions, based out of Miami, will bring more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality business as they assess Syracuse University’s stadium experience.
Vincente Cuevas is a health promotions coordinator at the Barnes Center at The Arch. Blaine Moore works for the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron at Hancock Airport. And Mary Welker works in the Office of Professional Research and Development in…
Members of the campus community are invited to submit nominees for the 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship (CAPES). Submissions are welcome through Friday, April 17. The original deadline was March 23 but has been extended due to…
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: The emotional strain of COVID-19 has spared no one over the past days and weeks. We have all had to change the way we live our lives. During a recent virtual webinar meeting of the…
The South Campus Food Pantry at the Carriage House is open and remains accessible to all students. If you would like to join in supporting the pantry, visit givetosu.syr.edu/FoodPantry to contribute financial support. You can also send food directly by…
Syracuse University, in partnership with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has expanded coverage for individuals enrolled in its health plans to include access to telemedicine. If a member’s health care provider, including a behavioral health provider, offers virtual and telephonic options for…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
