UPDATED: May 14, 2018 at 1:03 p.m.

Syracuse University’s Carrier Dome will get a new, fixed roof by fall 2020, SU announced on Monday.

Other upgrades include a vertically hung scoreboard, additional WiFi capabilities, accessibility improvements and a new sound and lighting system, per an SU News release. The university also announced that it expects to add air conditioning, new concession space and new restrooms by fall 2022.

Monday’s announcement comes two years after SU initially announced plans to replace the Dome’s roof as part of its Campus Framework plan, a 20-year guideline for physical campus development. Other Campus Framework projects include the University Place promenade, the Archbold Gymnasium renovations and the National Veterans Resource Complex.

The Dome’s new roof will be built between May and September 2020, said Pete Sala, SU’s vice president and chief facilities officer, at a press conference on Monday.

Football, basketball and lacrosse seasons won’t be affected by the renovations, Sala said. He added that it’s “critically important” not to put SU’s athletic teams at a disadvantage while crews complete the project. 

The Dome renovations include a new roof and a vertically hung scoreboard. Courtesy of Syracuse University

The new roof will have a 40-year lifespan, which is more than double the lifespan of the current roof, said Amir Rahnamay-Azar, SU’s senior vice president and chief financial officer.  Maintenance on the new roof will also be less costly, he added.

The renovations announced on Monday are expected to cost $118 million. Funding for these projects will come from three major sources, including philanthropy, university reserves and long-term financing, Rahnamay-Azar said.

He added that the dome renovations will not affect the university’s relationship with Carrier Corp., a heating and air conditioning company that has retained the naming rights to the Dome since 1979.

Sala said that WiFi enhancement, closed captioning and restroom renovation projects will start during summer 2018, mostly due to mobility issues that prevented these changes from beginning during the academic year.  

Sala also confirmed the university is considering replacing some of the Dome’s bleacher-style seating.

More than $6 million in Dome upgrades will go toward Americans with Disabilities Act-related accessibility projects, including a new entrance, ADA-compliant elevators, accessible seating, closed captioning software and five ADA electric door operators, according to the release.

University officials said in the release that they’re hoping the renovations will help attract students and student-athletes.

The Carrier Dome upgrades come as part of SU’s Campus Framework Plan, which also includes projects such as the Archbold Gymnasium renovations. Daily Orange File Photo

The upgrades announced on Monday are part of SU’s “phase one” Dome renovations. “Phase two” projects could include an enclosed pedestrian thruway between the Dome and Archbold, per the release.

The West Campus Project, which includes renovations to the Dome and Archbold, is expected to cost $255 million, according to the release.

Disclaimer: The Daily Orange leases a house on Ostrom Avenue owned by Syracuse University. As part of the Campus Framework, the university has proposed building student housing on Ostrom Avenue where The Daily Orange currently operates.

Published on May 14, 2018 at 11:44 am

Contact Jordan: jmulle01@syr.edu | @jordanmuller18