News

Transformation of JMA Wireless Dome Continues, University Readies Installation of New Seats, Other Enhancements

Over the course of the last several years, Syracuse University has taken numerous steps to transform and enhance the experience at the JMA Wireless Dome. Today, the University announced that in the months ahead it will build on that momentum with the installation of upgraded chairback seating and the introduction of new premium offerings throughout the venue. Bench seating will be replaced throughout the 100, 200 and 300 levels, resulting in added comfort and accessibility. It also means the JMA Dome will have a new seat map and revised capacities for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse competitions.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

A/C upgrades just one reason JMA Wireless Dome can book big acts

The JMA Wireless Dome is ready for basketball now, but can transform into a concert venue easily.

“Those spaces that they occupy during the season, it’s a temporary thing,” said Pete Sala, who is the Vice President, Chief Facility Officer and Managing Director of the JMA Wireless Dome. “They bring their equipment down before the game and they take the student athletes’ gear in and out. Back to Manley to their home.”

Read the full story on News Channel 9’s website

University Event Parking To Go Cashless Beginning Dec. 6

Starting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, when the Syracuse University men’s basketball team hosts Oakland University, fans will no longer need cash to pay for parking at campus events. The University’s Parking and Transportation Services department has transitioned to a cashless payment model in all University-owned lots and garages.

Accepted forms of payment include all major credit cards, as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay. The transition follows the move to cashless payment options within the JMA Wireless Dome, which took place in the fall of 2021.

The change will also affect the University’s Syracuse Stage lot on Irving Avenue. Stage visitors will first encounter the new system on Wednesday, Dec. 7, during that day’s showings of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”

Talking Trash at Syracuse University

Do you know what happens to your trash once you throw it away? Many tend to forget about their garbage once it’s out of sight, but waste management plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a clean and safe environment for community members.

Syracuse University makes a conscious effort to reduce the amount of waste produced on and around campus. The University partners with Syracuse Haulers Waste Removal and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCCRA) to dispose of any waste. OCCRA is the agency that oversees what happens to waste and recycling in the county. Recycling is mandatory in Onondaga County and therefore, on campus.

Read the full article on Syracuse University News.

Operations Manager Randy King Promoted to Director of Syracuse University’s Drumlins Country Club

Roger Hailstork and Tara Venditti, co-interim leaders of Auxiliary Services, announced today that Drumlins Country Club’s Operations Manager, Randy King, has been promoted to the position of Director as of November 15, 2022. King has served in this position in an interim capacity since July, 2022.

Operationally, King will ensure that the club’s members, guests, visitors, and neighbors who play golf or tennis, enjoy the pool, dine at Bistro 1926, or host an event, tournament, or camp will enjoy a first-rate experience.

“We will continue to add value to our members and guests by incorporating new amenities and facilitating necessary upgrades, all while focusing on improving the experience we offer to SU students, faculty, and staff,” said King. “It is paramount that we keep our club up-to-date and current with member expectations, while preserving its traditional warmth and heritage.​​”

Internally, King aims to build a team that is dedicated to member services, Drumlins’ amenities, and best-in-class hospitality.

“I am a firm believer in providing people with purpose, engagement, and empowerment to thrive and feel happy while performing at a high level,” King said.

A Central New York native, King spent the last 20 years in leadership positions focusing on sales and hospitality throughout the country, including stops in Denver and Ft. Lauderdale. He held the role of Operations Manager at Drumlins since his arrival at the club in April 2022.

Helpful Tips for Students for Thanksgiving Break

Staying in Syracuse for Thanksgiving break?

Here is important information about the hours of operation for student services on campus during the Thanksgiving break period—Saturday, Nov. 19, through Sunday, Nov. 27. The ’Cuse Trolley will also offer transportation services to students traveling over break.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Interim Leadership Team Named to Lead Auxiliary Services

An interim team of leaders has been named to lead the Auxiliary Services division.

Tara Venditti, Director of Budget and Finance for Auxiliary Services, will assume the role of Interim Director of Finance for the division. Tara joined Syracuse University in August 2022 from Onondaga County, where she had spent the last ten years as the Deputy Director of Budget Administration. Tara brings over 19 years of experience in fiscal matters focusing on organizational management, finance, budget administration, debt and capital project management, financial oversight, and analysis.

Roger Hailstork, Director of the Campus Store, will assume the role of Interim Director of Operations for the division. Roger has been with Syracuse University for eight years. During that time, Roger has led the Campus Store through restructuring, multiple capital improvement projects and remodels, and the replacement of a 20-year-old enterprise system.

The division is also fortunate to have Denise Dyce, Associate Vice President for Labor and Employee Relations, as part of the interim management team to provide guidance on human resources and labor relations issues.

Lighting Upgrades for Athletics Lots, Soccer Stadium, South Campus Indicate Another Step Toward a More Sustainable Future

Syracuse University continues its efforts to combat climate change and pursue its long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. The University recently upgraded exterior lighting fixtures with more efficient and energy-saving LED lights in the Comstock Avenue and Colvin Street parking lots and SU Soccer Stadium, with additional outdoor lighting upgrades underway on South Campus.

These upgrades will lower power consumption, thereby reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, a direct contributor to a warming planet. The new lights will result in a total reduction of 68.09 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. This amount is equal to the estimated greenhouse gas emissions from more than 14 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven in one year or eight homes’ energy use in a single year.

Read the full story at Syracuse University News.

Update on JMA Wireless Dome Sign Installation

The construction necessary to install the new “JMA DOME” sign on the west side of the JMA Dome crown truss is about to begin. Two cranes will be required to complete the sign installation and preparatory work for the cranes will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The work will continue into December.

To allow for the new signage installation, the upper sidewalk on the west side of the JMA Dome (between the two sets of stairs), will be closed from Oct. 19 into December. The entire area will be fenced off. All pedestrians will be required to use the sidewalk along Irving Avenue during this closure. Accessible pathways will not be affected.

Delays in the proposed work may occur as a result of weather and/or unforeseen circumstances. In the event that there is a significant delay, Campus Planning, Design and Construction will issue revised information as soon as possible. Please contact Dave Warren at 315.632.5238 or dcwarren@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.

Executive Chef Eamon Lee CEC Promoted to Executive Director, Hospitality 

Senior Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services Kris Klinger announced this week that the University’s Executive Chef, Eamon Lee, has been promoted to the position of Executive Director, Hospitality. This position coordinates all hospitality needs for the Syracuse University community, including residential dining, catering, concessions, and retail operations. He will assume his new role on October 1, 2022.

“Eamon has brought the department and University a special mix of experience, passion, and skills that are ideal to serve and support the Food Service teams,” Klinger said. “I know he will continue to raise the bar as our offerings ascend to best-in-class.”

In this role, Eamon will continue to oversee Food Services’ effort to upgrade offerings at campus dining centers by introducing franchise-style concepts preferred by students. The effort is the result of intensive work over the summer break, and while several concepts have been implemented, there are additional concepts to come.

“I am thrilled at the opportunities that lie before us this year and beyond,” said Lee. “As the culinary team continues to grow, so too do the paths to new flavors, experiences, and culinary adventures in all units across campus. The additions of Dining Hall Director Chris Scarano and Catering Executive Chef Bryan Hammond have fortified our ranks, and positioned the culinary team to explore more ethnic cuisines, local food-ways, sustainability initiatives, and seasonally relevant menus. Syracuse Food Services is poised for meteoric growth, and I’m humbled to be part of our next chapter.”    

A Central New York native, Eamon has many iconic local stops on his resume, including The Wellington House, The Brewster Inn, The Lincklaen House, The Arad Evans Inn, 238 Bistro (now Bistro Elephant), and Century Club of Syracuse. In 2008, Eamon transitioned to foodservice distribution as a Culinary Director and kitchen design consultant, until accepting the Executive Chef role at Syracuse University in September, 2021.