The keynote speaker for the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration was Sarah Willie-LeBreton, a sociologist and president of Smith College. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

Sarah Willie-LeBreton, president of Smith College, was welcomed back to 黑料不打烊 by a stadium filled with nearly 1,200 people for the 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Sunday鈥攁nd she was happy to return to the place she had called home.

鈥淎lthough I have not lived here for 50 years, 黑料不打烊, the place of my first days, lives in my heart,鈥� she said.

Willie-LeBreton, the keynote speaker for the event held in the JMA Wireless Dome, is the daughter of the late Charles V. Willie G鈥�57, H鈥�92, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 first Black full professor, department chair and vice president. Willie was a classmate of King at Morehouse College and was instrumental in bringing King to the University in 1961 and 1965.

Chancellor Kent Syverud gave the welcoming remarks. (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The University鈥檚 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, the largest of its kind on any college campus, seeks to honor the message and mission of King and is a direct expression of the University鈥檚 commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. This year鈥檚 theme was 鈥淟iving History.鈥�

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor Kent Syverud noted that many freedoms have been won through the work of King鈥檚 contemporaries and those who followed him.

鈥淐hallenges and injustices persist, but his message urges us to act,鈥� Chancellor Syverud said. 鈥淲hen he spoke last here in Sims Hall in 1965, he said, 鈥楾he time is always right to do right.鈥� I think that means now, too.鈥�

Cultivating Spaces of Mutual Respect

During her address, Willie-LeBreton spoke of the transformation of colleges and universities over the past 60 years, and of the good that higher education puts into the public space as the country鈥檚 central economic, medical, artistic, intellectual, scientific and public policy engines and most respected export.

鈥淭he work of higher education is intertwined with the work in which King was engaged because in the United States, the work of the university campus has always been in generative tension with the work of democracy,鈥� Willie-LeBreton said. 鈥淭he subjects explored in the university quite literally drive us forward as a species.鈥�

Guests enjoy dinner prior to the program. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

In current times, she said campuses have been tested. 鈥淭hose of us who are educators must redouble our efforts to cultivate spaces that are mutually respectful as much as they are sites of rigorous learning,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e have to be with people who are different from us, and we have to stay in relationship with them.鈥�

How to Honor Dr. King鈥檚 Legacy

Willie-LeBreton offered two ideas for how to honor King鈥檚 sacrifice.

First, she said, resist the narratives that assail our educational institutions. 鈥淭he needs of our schools are great and our goals for them are greater,鈥� she said.

Her second suggestion is to talk with people you might not choose as friends. 鈥淔ind a neutral place, your public library branch, a cafe, an empty classroom, a diner,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ring along two of your friends and two folks you suspect have opinions you don’t share, but with whom you have something in common.鈥�

Willie-LeBreton encouraged the audience to honor education as 鈥渙ur human birthright鈥� and cultivate 鈥渄ignity by listening carefully to yourself and to others and then honoring what you hear.鈥�

鈥淚f we do these things, we will bring fellowship to each other and the world neighborhood of which King spoke,” Willie-LeBreton said. “Take the baton and let’s give this lap our all in the relay race for justice.鈥�

The evening鈥檚 program also included performances by the Community Choir and the Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, and the presentation of this year鈥檚听Unsung Hero Awards.

The Community Choir performs a selection. The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble also performed during the evening. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

The 2025 Unsung Hero Award recipients were honored at the event. They included from left to right, Andrea-Rose Oates ’26, James K. Duah-Agyeman, Isaiah Pollard from the SCORE organization and Laurence Segal. Rodney Jackson, far right, accepted a posthumous award on behalf of his brother, Jamie Jackson. (Photo by Amelia Beamish)

To accommodate the space needed for the buses, permit holders in the Standart, Raynor and Henry lots are asked to park in Irving Avenue Garage on Jan. 9.

Please contact Parking and Transportation Services at 315.443.4652 or via email at parkmail@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.

To support individuals on our campus and in the community, the University is hosting Operation Orange Warmup to collect winter coats. The collection to assist students in need is happening on campus now through Friday, Dec. 6.

鈥淭here is a greater need for warm coats on this campus now more than ever before and no one should go without during the winter months,鈥澨齭ays Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the听College of Engineering and Computer Science, who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. 鈥淭hrough the work of many campus units, we are helping to ensure those in need are prepared for the cold with a winter coat, and we are proud to partner with InterFaith Works to also assist those in the broader 黑料不打烊 community.鈥�

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made several different ways:

• First, happening now through Friday, Nov. 22, students can donate in their residence halls. Collection bins are available in Ernie Davis, Milton, Orange, Day and Brewster, Boland and Brockway halls.
• Next, on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the football team takes on Miami in the JMA Wireless Dome, attendees can bring coats with them to the game. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.
• Finally, from Monday, Dec. 2, through Friday, Dec. 6, collection bins will be available at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on North Campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the laundering of the donations before they are given out. Additionally, all children鈥檚 coats that are collected will be donated to Interfaith Works.

Volunteer Opportunities

Students looking to volunteer can get involved with Operation Orange Warmup. Volunteers are needed for the following:

• Monitoring collections during the coat drive at the football game on Nov. 30
• Sorting coats at the Schine Student Center
• Administering the selection of coats at the Schine Student Center

For more information and to register to volunteer, students can .

Coat Selection Event

Students in need of a coat can for the coat selection event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Underground at the Schine Student Center.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire 黑料不打烊 community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

• Wednesday, Oct. 30 vs. Slippery Rock University
• Monday, Nov. 4 vs. LeMoyne
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 vs. Colgate
• Wednesday, Nov. 27 vs. Cornell
• Tuesday, Dec. 10 vs. Albany
• Tuesday, Jan. 14 vs. Louisville
• Wednesday, Feb. 5 vs. Duke
• Wednesday, Feb. 26 vs. NC State

Access to Campus for Academic Purposes

Home lot parking permits will be honored until four hours prior to tip-off. Faculty and staff with valid University parking permits who need to access campus for academic purposes will be able to park in the following areas on a space-available basis:

Accessible parking for academic purposes will be provided in the lot designated on the face of the permit if space is available. If no spaces are available, permit holders will be directed to another location.

Access to Campus for Those Attending Basketball Games

If you are attending a game on any of the above dates, your regular parking permit will be honored at the听. Patrons will have access to transportation to and from College Place. If you have an accessible or medical permit, you may park in the听听and ride the shuttle to Gate A, free of charge.

We ask for your support of these procedures so that we may provide academic access for the entire University community. If you have any questions or need to coordinate additional academic access, please contact Dee Bailey at听debailey@syr.edu听or by phone at 315.443.5319.

Billy Joel and Sting鈥攖wo of the most respected recording artists in history鈥攁nnounce a one-night-only performance at JMA Wireless Dome on Friday, April 11, 2025. The iconic musicians will each perform their most beloved songs from throughout their illustrious careers. The spectacular show featuring Joel鈥檚 eighth record-breaking appearance at the JMA Dome and first since 2015, and Sting鈥檚 first time at the JMA Dome as a solo artist (he appeared at the JMA Dome twice as a member of the Police in 1982 and 1984), promises to be an unforgettable evening of live music.

鈥淲e’re excited to have both Billy Joel and Sting back at the JMA Dome,鈥� says Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer, managing director of JMA Dome. 鈥淏oth have been here before and have helped draw some of our biggest audiences to date. With this show, Billy will be extending his record number of Dome performances to eight over a nearly 25-year period. We’re grateful to again work with Live Nation on another big concert event and can’t wait to host it. It’ll be a great show.鈥�

Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning on Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m. at . Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. until Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit .

Members of the Otto Tunes a capella group, along with Don McPherson 鈥�87 (center, back row), helped make the concert announcement Thursday in the JMA Wireless Dome.

About Billy Joel

Legendary musician Billy Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in history. The singer/songwriter/composer is the sixth best-selling recording artist and the fourth best-selling solo artist with over 160 million records sold worldwide. Joel鈥檚 songs have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions of people across five decades.

As a humanitarian, The Joel Foundation has made and pledged millions in charitable donations with a focus on music education and humanitarian aid.听 In addition to supporting vital global relief efforts, The Joel Foundation provides grants to organizations throughout New York City and Long Island leveraging the power of music to enhance the lives of people of every age.

About Sting

Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author and activist Sting is not only known for his time as a member of The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers but also as an illustrious solo artist, selling over 100 million albums combined. In addition to music, Sting has appeared in more than 15 films, executive produced the critically acclaimed “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” and in 1989 starred in “The Threepenny Opera” on Broadway.

Sting鈥檚 humanitarian support of organizations such as the Rainforest Fund, Amnesty International and Live Aid mirrors his art in its universal outreach.听 Along with wife Trudie Styler, Sting founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect both the world鈥檚 rainforests and the indigenous people living there. Together they have held 18 benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness for our planet鈥檚 endangered resources.

Metallica听will bring its record-breaking M72 World Tour听to the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The concert is among the group鈥檚 21 North American concerts next year.

The concert will feature the tour鈥檚 full production, with its massive in-the-round stage, and is in one of two college sports stadiums the group will play.

Since opening April 2023 in Amsterdam, M72 has seen Metallica play to some three million fans. Variously hailed as听鈥渁n altogether life-affirming experience鈥澨�(Billboard),听“impossible to leave unsatisfied鈥澨�(Austin Chronicle),听“a stone-cold stunner of a show鈥澨�(Detroit News),听“the mother of all summer concerts鈥澨�(Worcester Telegram Gazette) and听鈥渁s tight and furious as Metallica has sounded in ages鈥澨�(Los Angeles Times), M72 continues to amaze fans and critics alike.

Tickets

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. Presale tickets for the 黑料不打烊 concert will be available Thursday, Sept 26, from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. For more information, contact the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at dometix@syr.edu.

Presale Tickets

Further presale offers begin on Monday, Sept. 23.

Citi is the official card of the M72 tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. through Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit .

Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for the M72 tour for customers in the U.S through Verizon Access. Verizon Access Presale tickets for select shows will begin Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. local time. For more details visit .

鈥淭he JMA Wireless Dome has sat at the heart of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus for decades,鈥� says Heastie. 鈥淎ssemblymember Bill Magnarelli was committed to ensuring this stadium is around for future generations to enjoy and I鈥檓 honored to join him and so many members of the 黑料不打烊 community here today for this announcement.鈥�

黑料不打烊 leaders, Orange coaches and local elected officials gather in the JMA Wireless Dome during a July 23 press conference announcing new funding to support ongoing renovations of the facility. (Photo by Charles Wainwright)

The new funding will be directed toward current renovations underway which include replacement of all existing aluminum bench seats with a complete seating system featuring high-impact polymer seats with backs. These renovations also include modifications to existing stairs and railings, as well as ramps and platforms, to enable the facility to achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance as a result of the physical changes created by the reseating. ADA accessible wheelchair platforms are also being added throughout the lower seating bowl, more than doubling the number of ADA wheelchair spaces. Finally, an upgraded building wide fire alarm system and new smoke evacuation system are being installed and new fire sprinklers are being added throughout the facility.

鈥淭he Dome is not only a monument in the 黑料不打烊 landscape but in our community鈥檚 culture as well,鈥� says Magnarelli. 鈥淚nvesting in the Dome will allow 黑料不打烊 to continue to bring world-class sporting events and entertainment to the 黑料不打烊 community. I am proud to have secured this funding for 黑料不打烊 as it allows it to continue enhancing the opportunities for engaging residents in Central New York and visitors to our area.鈥�

For more than 40 years, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 iconic Dome has served as a catalyst of economic activity benefiting the City of 黑料不打烊, Onondaga County and the broader Central New York region. Each year, more than 935,000 visitors attend events at the Dome, and those events include concerts by some of the world鈥檚 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 Central New York economy and support more than 5,000 local jobs.

“黑料不打烊 is grateful for our deep partnerships with and the strong support of New York State, Speaker Heastie, Assemblymember Magnarelli and so many other elected officials and community leaders,鈥� says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation. 鈥淭hanks to this new funding, the University will not only be able to advance the Dome transformation but also accelerate the work. From premier entertainment experiences to exciting Orange athletic events and community gatherings, 黑料不打烊’s Dome has been a driver of economic vitality for over four decades. With each event, it not only entertains members of the Central New York community and visitors alike, but also fuels the local economy, generating millions in tourism dollars and supporting thousands of jobs.鈥�

Recently, the University completed the initial work associated with its $120 million transformation that improved the visitor experience and further positioned the venue and region to compete nationally for large concerts, events and NCAA competitions. Renovations included the installation of a new fixed roof, air conditioning and a state-of-the-art 5G network, as well as significant improvements to accessibility, technology, lighting and sound, and the concession experience.

“黑料不打烊 is not just renovating a building, but reshaping an entire experience,鈥� says John Wildhack 鈥�80, director of athletics. 鈥淲ith a commitment to excellence, we’re shaping a future where student-athletes, fans and our community can enjoy an unparalleled experience every time they play in, attend an event or visit the Dome. With the new football season just around the corner, I am confident the environment will be more electric than ever. Thanks to terrific community and government support and partnerships, the Dome continues to be one of the most exciting venues to visit.鈥�

As part of the work currently underway, the University is also in the process of constructing Miron Victory Court, an enclosed pedestrian concourse that will physically connect the stadium and the Barnes Center at The Arch, among other enhancements. This new space is expected to be complete later this fall.

For the most up-to-date information on the JMA Wireless Dome Transformation Project, visit . Alumni, fans and friends can visit the website to track construction progress, access seating and pricing updates, and sign up to receive notifications about the project.

Tarzan

Have you met Tarzan or Juan yet on campus? These latest members of the University community are hard to miss, with their friendly dispositions, shiny coats and wagging tails.

Tarzan, a one-year-old black lab, and Juan, a听four-month-old yellow lab, are puppies being raised by good friends Arianna Kuhn 鈥�25 and Megan Panny 鈥�25 for , a nonprofit organization that trains and cares for guide dogs for people with vision loss.

Kuhn, a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, and Panny, a dual degree English major in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education, became involved through outreach being done on campus by Mary Oonk, the organization鈥檚 local volunteer region co-coordinator.

Headquartered in Yorktown Heights, New York, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has puppy raisers along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to North Carolina, including in Central New York. Founded in 1954, the organization, with more than 1,700 volunteers, provides all of their services free of charge.

Juan

Kuhn was interested in the organization after reading about its mission. 鈥淚 am passionate about giving back to the community and wanted to have a positive impact on an individual that would benefit from the services of Guiding Eyes,鈥� she says. 鈥淚n addition to the opportunity to volunteer, the chance to combine my devotion to helping others and my love for dogs drew me to want to take part in this experience.鈥�

Panny wanted to get involved after seeing the impact it had on people鈥檚 lives firsthand. 鈥淢y hometown is near the Guiding Eyes for the Blind headquarters, which has given me the ability to see how the program works throughout my life,鈥� Panny says. 鈥淲hen I saw the opportunity to be involved through 黑料不打烊, it was one I was excited about. This program has allowed me to help others while also fulfilling the love I have for animals.鈥�

The organization was first connected with the University through a simple phone call: Oonk called the JMA Wireless Dome box office to order basketball tickets and started talking to the representative about the work of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. 鈥淚 explained to him the work I do for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and that socialization of these puppies is a huge part of that and asked if there was a way we could bring the dogs into the JMA Dome for training,鈥� Oonk says. 鈥淭he next thing I know, I got a meeting with the entire team at the JMA Dome.鈥�

Training Space for Pups

Mary Oonk

The JMA Dome offers a good training experience for the puppies. Guide dogs must navigate large spaces, like an arena, with stairs, elevators and expansive areas.

鈥淢ary approached us about hosting a one-time training class with the volunteers and puppies, but we worked with them to create something more where they could come into the JMA Dome for regular training and even attend a women鈥檚 basketball game so that the puppies could be exposed to a live event in the Dome,鈥� says Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer. The organization has had a relationship with the JMA Dome since 2015鈥攙olunteers come approximately once a month to walk the arena, attend a game or train.

While the experience in the Dome is invaluable, Oonk says the group was hoping to find a way to get students involved with the program. A University campus makes an ideal learning and socialization space for raising guide dogs, with a variety of spaces and situations and groups of people.

Puppy trainers and their dogs in the JMA Dome

Life-Changing Experience

In Summer 2022, Stephen Kuusisto, University Professor and director of interdisciplinary programs and outreach for the Burton Blatt Institute, met with local volunteers and their puppies and shared his story about how his life changed since getting his first dog, Corky, from Guide Eyes for the Blind.

Steve Kuusisto with his former guide dog, Nira

鈥淎 lot of things were going on in my life that were difficult, including losing an adjunct teaching job and becoming unemployed,鈥� says Kuusisto. 鈥淪o I suddenly thought, well, here I am, really visually impaired, and have nothing on the calendar. Why not get a guide dog?鈥�

His life was forever changed. Kuusisto went from not really going anywhere without the dependence of a friend and their schedule to going wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

鈥淚 spent the next month walking everywhere from country roads to Midtown Manhattan, learning that I could trust this dog with my life,鈥� Kuusisto says.

Kuusisto, who is forever grateful for the volunteers at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, connected Oonk with the Student Experience team during the Fall 2022 semester, who was very supportive in finding ways to gain student volunteers for the puppy raising program. “We are so grateful for the University’s support. Everyone we’ve worked with on campus has become an integral part of the Guiding Eyes mission,” says Oonk.

The only stipulation for students wanting to be involved with raising puppies on campus is that they cannot live in North Campus student housing; puppies in training are, however, allowed in South Campus housing. But that was no problem; even for those students who live on North Campus or perhaps have a busy schedule that wouldn鈥檛 allow for puppy raising, there are still many ways to get involved with the program.

The campus program got a boost when the Guiding Eyes for the Blind group was invited to table at the Fall 2023 student involvement fair. Kuhn and Panny saw the opportunity to take their love for dogs and make a difference in someone鈥檚 life.

Otto the Orange becomes fast friends with one of the guide dog puppies in training.

Invaluable Lessons in Community

Kuhn says one of her favorite parts about this program is the community of Guiding Eyes volunteers.

Tarzan at the 黑料不打烊 Mets game with Kuhn and Panny.

鈥淭hese individuals have taught me countless invaluable lessons outside of just puppy raising that I will carry with me into my future endeavors,鈥� Kuhn says. 鈥淎s I have embarked on my puppy raising journey, it has been life-changing to see the impact that this organization and its pups have on the lives of not only individuals with visual impairments but the lives of us as raisers as well.鈥�

Panny agrees. 鈥淭he Central New York region of Guiding Eyes has so many wonderful people and has provided me with a home away from home while at school. I have also loved my time training our puppies. This program and time spent with the pups is one I will cherish forever,鈥� she says.

For others who might want to get involved, Kuhn says the organization is a great way to give back and be of service to others. 鈥淲ithin this program, there are countless ways to get involved, including campus volunteer work, puppy raising and sitting, as well as home socialization, among other ways,鈥� she says.

鈥�Guiding Eyes is not only fulfilling but goes on to change the lives of those who receive the pup they have raised,鈥� Panny says. 鈥淢any involved in the programs have also gained lifelong friendships with whom their pup goes on to guide!鈥�

Interested in becoming a puppy raiser or looking for other ways to get involved? Faculty and staff are welcome to get involved with the program too. “In guide dog training, we talk a lot about relationship-based training. The dogs learn to build a relationship with their puppy raiser and then their formal guide dog trainer and finally they transfer that relationship to the partner they are matched with to form a lifelong bond,” says Oonk. “Relationship building is what we have strived to do with the campus community. Administration, faculty, staff and students have come together to support these dogs that will go on to change lives.”

Visit the , or connect with Oonk and the local chapter by email: centralnyregion@guidingeyes.net. Check out the puppies and their .

The expanded fence footprint will mean that pedestrians can no longer walk west towards the Dome between the Physics Building and the Barnes Center at the Arch. All pedestrian traffic heading west will need to pass north of the Physics Building (the Quad side) or south of the Barnes Center at the Arch (the SUNY ESF side). This closure will remain in effect until mid-August when the area will be opened back up for the fall semester.

We appreciate your patience while we complete this work and continue to progress on this exciting project. Please Dave Warren, with Campus Planning, Design and Construction, at 315.632.5238 or dcwarren@syr.edu听with any questions or concerns.

Photo by Ruby Liu

Due to the ongoing construction at the JMA Wireless Dome, the box office located at Gate B will be closed beginning on Monday, May 20. The location will re-open in late August.

The JMA Dome Box Office staff will still be available to assist patrons during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be reached via phone at 888-DOME-TIX or via email at dometix@syr.edu.

Signage will be placed in the area to remind patrons of the closure.

For those heading to the show, here is the know-before-you-go information to make your travel and concert experience as smooth as possible.

Concessions/Merchandise

Cash is not accepted at any concession locations, the box office or merchandise stands. Major credit cards, debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay, Android Pay and Google Wallet) are accepted. For those who just can鈥檛 resist buying a tour poster or T-shirt, there will be an outdoor tent located outside of Gate N prior to the show selling artist merchandise. Once the show begins, additional merch booths will open inside the venue as concourse traffic eases.

Clear Bag Policy

As with all events at the JMA Dome, a clear bag policy will be enforced. Each fan is allowed one clear bag and one small clutch or purse, with exceptions for medically necessary items. Please visit the听听for additional information. Being aware of the policy ahead of time will help expedite entry into the venue.

Parking

For those who purchased a parking pass in advance for the Sept. 7 show, it is still valid for this show.

If you are a member of our campus community planning to attend the concert, your existing campus parking pass will be honored in University Avenue Garage, Comstock Avenue Garage, University Avenue North and South lots and the Irving Avenue Hill lot, as space allows.

All parking is cashless. Customers may pay via credit card (including tap and pay), or through Google Pay or Apple Pay. Have payment ready for the lot attendants, to ensure an efficient flow of traffic.

Pay parking is available at several locations around campus, including:

• : These lots will open at 1 p.m. Permit only, includes free shuttle service to and from College Place, which will begin running at 4 p.m.
• : This lot will open at 1 p.m. Cost is $30 per car, and includes free shuttle service to and from College Place, which will begin running at 4 p.m.
• Limited available in 听补苍诲听: $35 per car, please note that garages close two hours after the event ends
• Accessible parking for those with a nationally-recognized handicap placard or license plate will be available at the听 for $30 per car, which includes free shuttle service to and from Gate A of the JMA Wireless Dome

Those who haven鈥檛 purchased a parking permit in advance are encouraged to use the Brighton Avenue exit off 1-81 and take Ainsley Drive to the Skytop Lot.

Ticketing

Those 鈥淏orn to Run,鈥� 鈥淏orn in the USA鈥� or who simply want to do 鈥淭he E Street Shuffle鈥� for a couple of hours are in luck, as tickets are still听, starting at $60.50 including fees.

As a reminder, those who purchased tickets for the September 7, 2023 show are still valid for the April 18, 2024 show.

To avoid delays at the gate, make sure to download your mobile tickets before you arrive to campus.

For those with general admission tickets for the pit, please enter through Gate D.

Campus Travel Before and After the Concert

Regular shuttles to South Campus and other campus and Centro shuttles will continue to run during and after the event, though arrivals and departures may be delayed due to the large amount of vehicular traffic in the University area.

黑料不打烊鈥檚 Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) will make a temporary change to campus traffic patterns following the conclusion of the concert.

As the concert ends, PTS and the 黑料不打烊 Police Department will close Comstock Avenue to all traffic except parking shuttles, which will travel between the College Place bus stop, the Colvin Street and Comstock Avenue Lots and the Skytop Lot.

The concert is anticipated to end between 10:20 and 10:50 p.m., and at that time, PTS will direct all traffic away from Comstock Avenue between Waverly Avenue and East Colvin Street. As a significant crowd is expected for the concert, this will allow for the efficient exit and transportation of the concert attendees from the shuttle stop at College Place to their parking lots on South Campus. The road will reopen as soon as the concert shuttles are cleared. More information about parking is available on the听.

This special effort from Otto鈥檚 Army, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 student section, is a partnership with the Forever Orange Student Alumni Council (FOSAC) to highlight the importance of giving back.

Gregory Slodysko 鈥�24, president of Otto鈥檚 Army, emphasizes what the organization means to the University鈥檚 student-athletes.

鈥淚f you鈥檝e ever seen some of the post-game interviews for football or basketball, often either our coaches or the opposing team’s coaches mention how much Otto’s Army affects each and every game. […]听 No team wants to play 鈥機use at home, and a large part of that belief is thanks to Otto’s Army.鈥�

On Saturday, students will be wearing Blizzard T-shirts with QR codes on the back that lead to a link to make a gift that will go directly to Otto鈥檚 Army.

鈥淎ll money raised will go directly to Otto’s Army so we can continue to improve the student section for years to come. For this reason, giving back is important because it allows Otto’s Army to remain one of the best college student sections in the nation,” Gregory says. “In the past, we have used the money raised to help fund our bus trips so that we can turn critical away games into home games and support our Orange on the road. Giving back for the Blizzard game this year will continue to help us grow and improve the gameday experience for all 黑料不打烊 students.”

For the Class of 2024, the gifts are especially meaningful. A gift of at least $24 in honor of their class year means the student will receive special cords at Commencement to show that they gave back.

鈥淭hose who give back bring students to 黑料不打烊. Without them, many students wouldn鈥檛 be able to come to school here. FOSAC helps remind the campus community of those who brought them here, whether it be alumni or donors they鈥檝e never met,” says Megan Edenfeld 鈥�25, president of听 FOSAC. “We encourage students to take pride in being part of the Orange family and help maintain the spirit that draws so many to SU. By fostering student-alumni connections, FOSAC empowers students while also reminding alumni that they will forever have a place in the Orange family鈥�

The Blizzard is forecasted for Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome.

鈥淚f you plan to attend this game (student or not), please wear white and prepare for the snow. Let’s ice out the dome next Saturday,鈥� Gregory says.

Can鈥檛 join us in the JMA Dome? Here鈥檚 how to .

Story by Laura Verzegnassi 鈥�25

To assist individuals and families who are in need of winter outerwear, 黑料不打烊 is again partnering with and for .

The coat collection drive will take place at the 黑料不打烊 men鈥檚 basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 27, versus North Carolina State. As attendees arrive for the 7 p.m. tipoff, they can bring with them new or gently used (like new) coats. Donation bins will be placed strategically around the JMA Wireless Dome at gates A, B, C, D, E, F, M and N.

鈥淣o one should go without the warm clothing they need for the winter months,鈥澨齭ays Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the , who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� is proud to partner with Interfaith Works and Hendricks Chapel to ensure not only the needs of our campus community but also the broader 黑料不打烊 community are met.鈥�

Student volunteers from groups across the University will help with the collection effort. Additionally, members of the JMA Dome staff will manage the sorting and laundering of the donations.

If you are not planning on attending the game but want to donate, starting Tuesday, Jan. 23, through Friday, Jan. 26, at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on main campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.

Members of the campus community who have a personal need for donated winter coats may contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 辞谤听chapel@syr.edu.

Through the generosity of Orange fans and the entire 黑料不打烊 community, we can share the warmth with those in need this winter!

We are expecting 200 school buses on campus, with students being dropped off on College Place and the west side of Campus.听Faculty and staff parking in the west campus lots may use the Irving Avenue Garage on Thursday to allow for space to park buses.

Both College Place and the parking lots on the west side of campus near the JMA Dome will become congested at times. Parking staff will be on hand to direct traffic. The game will begin at 10:30 a.m., with students arriving as early as 9-10 a.m. Buses will depart between 12:30-1:30 p.m. The men鈥檚 basketball team will follow with a home game against Niagara University at 5 p.m.

Parking and Transportation Services apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks everyone for their understanding and flexibility during this time.

If you have any questions, please contact at 315.443.4652 or by email at parkmail@syr.edu.

The 2024 tour, which follows her record-breaking 2023 Summer Carnival Tour, kicks off in St. Louis, Missouri, on Aug. 10. The 2023 run shattered attendance records worldwide. The previously announced dates have boasted over听3 million tickets sold听and $350 million grossed听across dates in Europe, the United Kingdom, North America, and forthcoming Australia and New Zealand.

Fans can expect to see Pink perform an epic set that includes her biggest hits like 鈥淪o What,鈥� 鈥淭rustfall,鈥� 鈥淛ust Give Me A Reason鈥� and more. The tour鈥檚 production will feature Pink descending from the rafters, including jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics, pumping dance routines and vibrant costume changes.

Tickets

Presale Pink tickets will be available on Thursday, Dec. 7. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Dec. 11, beginning at 10 a.m. at . Fans can also purchase VIP packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show reception, limited edition lithograph, Pink carpet entry and photo opportunity, and more. For more information, visit .

Presales

Citi is the official card of Pink鈥檚 Summer Carnival 2024 Stadium Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, Dec. 10, at 10 p.m. through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit .听

Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for the Pink Summer Carnival 2024 Stadium Tour in the U.S. through Verizon Up. Customers can purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, Dec. 10, at 10 p.m. For more details visit .

Employing JMA鈥檚 Distributed Antenna System (DAS), the JMA Dome now features the same quality of mobile phone connectivity, speed and performance that is comparable to many professional football stadiums across the nation鈥攊ncluding the newest stadiums in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

鈥淲e promised our fans a world-class event experience and with this technology, we are delivering on that promise,鈥� says John Wildhack, director of Athletics. 鈥淥range athletics fans are simply unmatched in their passion. Now, their fan experience will be unmatched as they engage across social medial channels, check scores of other games, text and video chat with their fellow fans and access all the multimedia services available at the JMA Dome.鈥�

鈥淭his is a truly transformative milestone in the life of the JMA Wireless Dome鈥攂oth for the facility and for every individual who attends an athletic event, concert or other activity at the Dome,鈥� says Jeff Rubin, special advisor to Chancellor Kent Syverud on esports and digital transformation. 鈥淣ow, the 45,000 JMA Dome fans can share in a technological experience that is truly state-of-the art, providing them with connectivity on par with having a cell tower all to themselves. It鈥檚 an experience few will have at any other venue in the country.鈥�

The JMA Dome now offers the most advanced 5G network in the country thanks to its tremendous partnerships with JMA Wireless and Verizon Wireless. To access the 5G network, Verizon users鈥攁nd eventually all users鈥攕imply turn off the Wi-Fi feature on their phone.

鈥淛MA is proud to be part of the team bringing 5G to the Dome and Orange fans,鈥� says Andrew Adams, chief operations officer at JMA Wireless.听 鈥淎s members of this community ourselves, it鈥檚 special to know that the design and manufacture of key system components were done right here in 黑料不打烊. JMA鈥檚 advanced technology and design allows for easy capacity expansion in the future, ensuring this high-performance system keeps the Dome at the leading edge for many years to come.鈥�

鈥淥ur 5G Ultra Wideband network is built specifically to support crowded events, providing reliability and massive capacity so customers can capture, share and connect throughout the experience,鈥� says Kevin Smith, vice president of engineering and operations at Verizon. 鈥淥ur engineers worked tirelessly to design and build the network to ensure our customers have the best possible experience.鈥�

Today鈥檚 announcement builds on a $118 million transformation of the Dome, which included a new fixed roof, a vertically hung scoreboard鈥攖he largest in college sports, the installation of air conditioning and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

鈥淭he new 5G network combined with all the enhancements we have made over the years has transformed the fan and visitor experience and further positions the JMA Dome and Central New York to compete nationally for large concerts, events and athletic competitions,鈥� says Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer. 鈥淚 have been working at 黑料不打烊 for nearly four decades and can say, without a doubt, there has never been a better time to attend an event at the Dome.鈥�

About 黑料不打烊

黑料不打烊 is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we鈥檙e a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what鈥檚 possible.

About JMA Wireless

As one of the fastest-growing global tech companies, JMA designs and delivers cutting-edge wireless technology solutions that modernize every facet of how people live, learn, work and play. Wireless technology now impacts nearly every aspect of daily life around the world, and we power today鈥檚 leading industries through next-generation software-based 5G private wireless networks, 5G-ready antennas and connectors, and advanced indoor 5G capabilities鈥攁ll manufactured in the U.S. Our headquarters, along with the first-of-its-kind 5G campus are located in 黑料不打烊, New York, with innovative tech hubs around the world. For more information visit https://info.jmawireless.com/su-jma-dome-5g-connectivity.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000, and is one of the world鈥檚 leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers鈥� demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

As part of the MLK Jr. Celebration, several community members who embody the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receive the Unsung Hero Award.

The award seeks to honor the life and legacy of individuals who exemplify the spirit, life and teachings of Dr. King yet have not received widespread recognition or been previously honored for their efforts. These individuals represent a direct expression of the University鈥檚 commitment to fostering and supporting a university welcoming to all.

If you know an individual who should be honored and celebrated, please consider nominating them for the 2024 celebration.

included University staff member Nichole Henry, student Thomas Wilson 鈥�23, 黑料不打烊 community members and more. Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:

• youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• currently enrolled student at 黑料不打烊 or the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
• faculty or staff from 黑料不打烊 or SUNY ESF

The Unsung Hero Award nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 11:59 p.m. Nomination forms can be found听on the .

The 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place on Jan. 21, 2024, in the JMA Wireless Dome. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks at .

Questions regarding the Unsung Hero Awards can be directed to Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.

This year鈥檚 beneficiary is Tillie鈥檚 Touch, a not-for-profit organization founded by Dale Johnson in 2008 to help youth overcome barriers and maintain a 100% high school graduation rate. The organization’s goal is to make an impact in the lives of Central New York youth, provide opportunities to play sports and help children achieve academic excellence. Tillie’s Touch serves 1,500 youth annually.

Over the past 19 years, the Sport Management Club has raised over $665,000 for Central New York nonprofit organizations. Featured items this year include a Super Bowl football signed by Tyreek Hill, a Ichiro Suzuki signed baseball and Buddy Boehiem signed basketball, among other items.

To further the auction鈥檚 mission of community impact, Apex Entertainment is this year鈥檚 title sponsor. 鈥淲e are really proud to work with Apex Entertainment for another year. They were amazing to work with last year, and we look forward to working together again to raise money for Tillie鈥檚 Touch,鈥� says auction co-chair Jacob Geisinger.

The 19th Annual Charity Sports Auction will take place in the backcourt of the JMA Wireless Dome as the 黑料不打烊 Orange take on LSU in front of tens of thousands of dedicated fans and the 黑料不打烊 community.

Visit or follow the auction on , and for the most up-to-date event information. To register for online bidding or make a monetary donation, visit the .

Story by Zach Roth ’24