Nothing screams Syracuse more than the Dome itself. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to its critics when Syracuse fans scream in defense of the Dome.
Barstool recently posted a map identifying the best college basketball venues in each state. According to these judges, Hinkle Fieldhouse isn’t the historic hub of college basketball. Despite Arizona leading the Pac-12 in attendance year after year, McCale Memorial Center didn’t make the cut. Most curiously, the Dome isn’t there either.
Almost everyone reading this is team Dome, and most have probably had the first-hand experience on the Hill. It’s the only basketball venue of its kind because its the only college basketball venue that also houses football and lacrosse. So, the Dome of course houses the largest crowds. Despite struggling to make the tournament year after year, the Syracuse faithful never disappoints. In 2019, despite presumptive top-pick Zion Williamson sitting on the sideline, the Duke-Syracuse game reset the on-campus attendance record with 35,642 on a cold February night.
These judges gave the Empire State nod to St. John’s. No, not because of their former home away from home Madison Square Garden. In fact, the Red Storm only played one game in the world’s most famous arena last year. That was the Big East Tournament. So, Barstool truly picked Carnesecca Arena in Queens over the Dome.
Carnesecca Arena shuffles in 5,602 and opened its doors in 1961. Sure, it has about 19 years of history on the Dome with the likes of Mark Jackson and Chris Mullin gracing the floor, but if history is the deciding factor, then Fordham’s Rose Hill Gymnasium should have been recognized. It’s the oldest on-campus venue in the nation.
Then there is the added element of the new renovations to modernize the Dome. The new lighting really makes the Dome atmosphere pop. We at the Fizz were lucky to have what felt like exclusive access to the Dome without fans. Seeing the improvements to what was already the most unique college basketball atmosphere leave no doubt about it. The Loud House is the biggest and best house for college basketball in New York.
