Syracuse University Statement on New York State’s 2023 Budget

For more than 40 years, Syracuse University’s iconic Carrier Dome has served as a catalyst of economic activity benefiting the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County and the broader Central New York (CNY) region. Each year, more than 935,000 visitors attend events at the Dome, and those events include concerts by some of the world’s top performers, college and professional athletic competitions, and the very best in family entertainment. The Dome also hosts local and statewide high school sports events, band competitions and other community-focused activities. As a year-round venue, Dome events and operations contribute more than $240 million in income to the CNY economy and support more than 5,000 local jobs.

Recently, the Dome underwent a $120 million transformation—funded entirely by the University and private philanthropy without state or federal funding. The Phase One renovations improved the visitor experience and further positioned the venue and Central New York to compete nationally for large concerts, events and NCAA regional competitions.

To maximize the Dome’s full potential as an engine for economic development in the region, the University plans to embark on the next phase of the Dome’s transformation, a $45 million effort that will include:

1. reseating the entire venue, transitioning from bench seating to an individual/fixed seating configuration, including enhanced accessibility for patrons with disabilities;
2. introducing an on-site and publicly accessible event facility, designed to expand visitor access to pre- and post-event activities and concessions; and
3. upgrading the Dome’s digital infrastructure to support fan access to free, modern and high-speed wireless environment while visiting the Dome

If realized, these enhancements are projected to generate nearly $217 million in travel and tourism spending across Central New York between 2022-25.

Given the significant role the iconic Dome plays in our community’s continued growth and economic prosperity, Syracuse University has requested $20 million in financial support from New York State to accelerate Phase Two renovations. We initiated this action in collaboration with our New York State legislative delegation, and with support from Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. With support from the state, Phase Two renovations could begin as soon as June 2022.

To further cultivate a vibrant, prosperous and economically thriving community, as part of Phase Two, Syracuse University will:

• introduce a local apprenticeship program, in partnership with trade unions, to provide career skills training in the trades, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fabrication;
• provide cost-free use of the facility to law enforcement, firefighter and disaster response training conducted by New York State or any local jurisdiction/agency, for a period of 10 years;
• implement a procurement and construction process that prioritizes local and New York state underrepresented businesses at a level that meets or exceeds the state’s own procurement goals;
• ensure that events at the Dome remain affordable and accessible to members of our CNY community; and
• make the bench seating removed from the Dome freely available to school districts throughout the state, as an opportunity to reduce costs associated with ongoing or planned renovations of school facilities or stadiums.

With these new investments, together, the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County and Central New York will reimagine the nationally iconic venue, returning the Dome and our community to its status as the go-to location for national event tours, major concerts and national athletic championships.