SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Friday night will commemorate the 44th anniversary of the JMA Wireless Dome. The building opened its doors on Sept. 20, 1980, as it was previously known as the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse football faces Stanford Friday night, who will be visiting the dome for the first time ever. Friday will be 44 years from the date of the dome’s opening.
The number 44 is a pivotal part of Syracuse University’s history. Legendary running backs such as Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little all wore 44.
Ironically, the last two digits of the school’s zip code and the first two digits of the school’s telephone number are 44.
The JMA Wireless Dome is the largest structure of its kind on a college campus in the country. The iconic venue hosts SU sports such as basketball, football, and lacrosse, as well as esteemed artists including Elton John, Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones, U2, Garth Brooks, Genesis, The Who, Neil Diamond, Pink Floyd, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Pink, among others.
Recently, the venue has undergone upgrades to update the venue and enhance the fan experience. In 2020, the dome unveiled a fixed roof, a center-hung scoreboard, and upgraded lighting and air conditioning. Over the past off-season, chairback seating was installed throughout the dome.
The regular lower bowl is sold out, and limited tickets remain for the celebration of the JMA Wireless Dome. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.