JMA Wireless Dome (formerly Carrier Dome) Special Collections Research Center

JMA Wireless Dome

Original Construction Began: April 1979

Original Dedication and Occupation: September 20, 1980; first official basketball game held November 29, 1980 against Columbia University

Original Cost: $27 million

Original Funding: $15 million grant from New York State; $2.75 million from Carrier Corporation, for whom the building was originally named; and remainder from donations of friends of Syracuse University

Original Architects: Finch-Heery, Atlanta and Hueber Hares Glavin, Syracuse

Original Roof Project Engineers: Geiger Berger Associates

Original Roof Contractors: Hueber Hunt and Nichols, Inc., Indianapolis

Original Materials: 30,000 cubic yards of concrete and 880 tons of steel

Renovations Began: February 2019

Renovated Building Occupied: September 26, 2020

Renovation General Contractor: Hayne Hoyt Corporation

Renovation Roof Project Engineers: Geiger Engineers

Renovation Funding: Funded entirely by the University and private philanthropy.

Renovation Cost: $163 million

Notes: When original construction of the stadium was completed in 1980, it was ranked as the 5th largest domed stadium in the United States and the first of its kind in the Northeast. In 2018, the University’s Board of Trustees authorized a $118 million plan to renovate the stadium. Renovations occurred in two phases. The first phase of transformation began with the installation of a new non-air-supported dome roof and center-hung scoreboard. This phase was followed by additional projects including upgraded HVAC, accessibility improvements, concessions enhancements, and upgraded lighting and sound systems. Phase two renovations began in spring 2023 and included installation of upgraded chairback seating.

In May 2022, Syracuse University and JMA Wireless announced a 10-year collaboration for naming rights of the University’s on-campus stadium, which had been known as the Carrier Dome since its opening in 1980.

A variety of events have been hosted at the Dome, including SU football, basketball, lacrosse, track and field, soccer, field hockey; professional and high school athletic events; University commencement and various academic convocations; ice skating shows; concerts; community events; and an annual celebration honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.