Syracuse’s move to the ACC may end up knocking Georgetown out of the record books.
Currently, the attendance record for a regular season game played on campus is 35,012, which is the number of fans that packed into the Carrier Dome to see the Hoyas’ final visit to Syracuse as a Big East foe. That also happens to be the only time that the Carrier Dome has officially sold out.
That may all change this season, however.
Per a report from Mike Waters of the Syracuse-Post Standard, the Orange are considering moving the Carrier Dome court from the end zone into the middle of the dome when Duke comes into town next season.
“The schedule hasn’t been released yet, so I can’t confirm it or deny,’' SU’s executive senior associate athletic director Joe Giansante told Waters. “We’re looking for ways to celebrate our inclusion in the ACC. Obviously, when Duke comes to town, it’s going to be a special day.’'
It’s a neat idea, but it’s also a logistical nightmare, as Waters explains:
I’m generally against playing basketball in a dome, but Syracuse is a unique circumstance. At the Final Four, it can dull down the atmosphere and sterilize the crowd given the size and multiple fan bases in attendance.
That said, I don’t see that being a problem in Syracuse. The game is on campus and the dome will be filled with 50,000-plus fans decked out in Orange. The atmosphere will be ludicrous.
I say go for it.
And save me a press pass.