Category Archives: Locations

Armory Square Park

Armory Square Park

Location

Armory Square Park is located on 228 West Jefferson Street, 13202 (Intersection of Walton St. and S. Franklin St.)

History

Armory Square historyArmory Square Park is located on 228 West Jefferson Street, it was designed in 1989 by Ed Basta a landscape architect. Originally Armory Square was a swamp filled area. Soil was introduced in 1849 in order to slow down a outbreak of Malaria. Years later after the railroads were put down in Syracuse, the area was used as a place for hotels, shops, factories and warehouses. In the 1970’s a group of enterprising owners and artists bought the land whom designed it.

24 Second Shot Clock

One of Armory Square Park’s defining features is the shot clock. This shot clock is a 24 second shot clock, the same as the clock used in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Unveiled on March 26th, 2005, it was created to commemorate the inventor of the NBA shot clock. Danny Biasone, who owned the Syracuse Nationals (a former NBA team), first had the idea to use it in a game in 1954.

After using it in a scrimmage game, he convinced the NBA to use the invention in all of their games. The shot clock was invented here and was first used in a game here as well. The invention is often credited to saving the NBA because before its invention the NBA had problems attracting fans due to boring games. typically teams who built a lead would just pass the ball around without making a attempt to score, however after the introduction to the shot clock this was quickly died out and the game became faster and more exciting.

Hours of Operation

This park is officially open from 8:00am to 10:00pm. However, it is available for use anytime.

Safety

Armory Square Park is one of the more safer places in Syracuse. Although the city of Syracuse has a high crime rate, Armory Square is one of the few places that does not suffer from this problem. For more information about the safety of Armory Square, the neighborhood, please see Safety.

The park itself is also very safe because it is located in the middle of Armory Square and normally is a very populated area due to surrounding shops, dining, and nightlife. In addition, Armory Square has a lot of lights which deters crime.

Contacts

Logotype

armory squere logo

Downtown Syracuse parking brochure

download

Downtown Syracuse parking brochure

Schine Student Center

Built in 1984, the Schine Student Center was opened by Syracuse University on May 19,1984. The Schine Student Center has been described as a “reflection of the diverse intellectual, cultural, and social interest of the Syracuse University community. It will provide the space for students to gather, along with faculty and staff, in an atmosphere conducive to social, leisure, and educational purposes.” Schine Student Center, often just referred to as “Schine,” cost $15 million and was made with brick and red sandstone. The Student Center was established to be the central hub for Syracuse University’s services, offices, and student activities. Often time student organizations set up tables in the center to promote their latest events. This building is located East of University Avenue between Waverly Avenue and University Place. It was named after Reneé Schine Crown who donated $2,500,000 for construction of the Student Center. Schine accommodates large, medium, and small venues for a variety of events. It has hosted world-renowned artists and speakers such as Idina Menzel, John Legend, Vice President Joe Biden, Cornell West, The Dalai Lama, Spike Lee, and many more.

Offices and Services

Schine Box Office

The Schine Box Office is the only place to purchase tickets for Syracuse University sponsored events except for Syracuse University athletic games. The Schine Box Office is unique in that it allows the general public to purchase tickets to events that are not affiliated with the university such as the Regal Cinema movie tickets. This office sells tickets for Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Symphony, the Syracuse University Drama department, Regal Cinema movie theater located in Carousel Mall, general Student Organization events, and general campus/administrative events. Most tickets are sold at a discounts to Syracuse students who show their SUID cards.To promote closer affiliation between the community and Syracuse University, the Schine Box Office occasionally offers free tickets to local museums and art galleries.

Types of payments accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • MasterCard/VISA.

For more information access

Events Scheduling Office

The Events Scheduling Office provides information and event services to the Syracuse University Community. The Events Scheduling Office schedules non-academic events for the majority of the student organizations. To schedule a location in any Syracuse University building, the organization must go through the Events Scheduling Office to make a reservation. Typically, organizations are constantly in contact with the office to reserve rooms for weekly meetings. The Scheduling Office accommodates all types of groups varying from small teams to large organizations.

To learn more about the Events Scheduling Office or contact information go to

Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service

Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public & Community Service is the office that supports public and community service. Syracuse University is able to reach out to the surrounding Syracuse community through this office. Programs include partnerships with middle schools, Habitat for Humanity, and many more opportunities. This office also partners with clubs and organizations that seek to do community service in the Syracuse area. For example, once a week the Office of Residence Life partners with the Westcott Community Center for an after-school program with the local elementary schools. The Whitman School of Management (business school), works with the community service office to provide opportunities for the college’s students so that they can fulfill their community service requirement. ΑΦΩ (Alpha Phi Omega) is a community service based fraternity that solely uses this office to do their community service.

For more information go to

Center for Career Services

The Center for Career Services assists students in their search for internships and jobs. Through counselors and databases, the Center for Career Services works with students to expose them to as many opportunities as possible. The Career Center focuses on bringing top quality companies to campus during career fairs and on-campus interviews. Once a semester Career Services hosts the Career Fair. This event hosts over 110 companies in the Carrier Dome that are looking for new employees or interns.

Orangelink is a online forum that career services runs that allows students, alumni, and seeking companies to come together. Through Orangelink, students may upload their résumés and cover letters for companies to see. Companies also have the opportunity to contact the Career Center to post job listings. The Center for Career Services works very close with Syracuse alumni, local companies, and prestigious companies to build the Syracuse Orange connection.

You can visit Career Services at

Office of Student Life

Office of Student Life (OSL) accommodates the 300+ student organizations and connects the Syracuse student to the Syracuse community. The Office o f Student Life sponsors events such as Homecoming, Orange Night Live, and Pulse Performances. Orange Night Live and Pulse Performances are events where Syracuse sponsors local and famous artists to perform in various Syracuse venues. Homecoming includes a parade, a Syracuse football game, and many off campus extracurriculars that bring current students and alumni together. OSL also controls all of the fraternity and sorority affairs. The Office of Student Life is very important for organizations because this office provides funding for their functions. The Leadership Institute is a program that OSL provides to develop leaders within the orange community. The program include dialogue circles and retreats to develop skills that have been seen in influential people.

For more information about OSL go to

Parents Office

Parents Office is the is the center where parents of Syracuse students can still be connected through the university. The Parents Office sends out newsletters and emails to keep parents informed of the happenings that occur on campus. The office is the first place that parents will contact if that have any questions or concerns that they may have. The Parents Office is very informed to all of the events on and off campus.

For further information go to

Office of Multicultural Affairs

Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is the center where students of color and diverse cultures may find support within a safe space. Student groups, such as Korean American Student Association (KASA) and National Association of Black Accountants, are represented by OMA. The office puts effort into helping students be as comfortable as possible at Syracuse. The mission of the office states “To support and promote the academic achievement, multicultural competence, social development, civic engagement, and retention of students from historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups at Syracuse University.”

For further information to what the multicultural affairs office does visit their homepage at

Student Association

Student Association is Syracuse University’s student run government. Student Association or “SA” controls 5 different segments:

  • On Campus Affairs
  • Off Campus Affairs
  • Academic Affairs
  • Student Engagement
  • Public Relations

The members of SA work together to resolve issues and improve the image of the University. SA is the best way possible to get involved and make an immediate difference in issues concerning Syracuse University. Members discuss current problems associated with the university and work to find and implement solutions.

For more information on SA go to their homepage

Facilities

University Bookstore

University Bookstore is the official Syracuse University bookstore where the general public may purchase Syracuse apparel, school supplies, textbooks, and gift packages. The University Bookstore is one of many bookstores students and faculty use. There are two floors at the University Bookstore. The top floor includes Syracuse apparel, a mini mart, a cosmetic station, and decorations. The bottom floor is where books, textbooks, art supplies, and school supplies are sold. To encourage school spirit, the proceeding day when an athletic team wins, the University Bookstore offers specific discount depending on the score.

For more information about the Syracuse Bookstore, go to

Panasci Lounge

Panasci Lounge is a comfortable quiet space where students can study, sleep or finish work. The Panasci lounge (along with the rest of the building) has WIFI and network jacks where computers can access the internet. Throughout the year, the Panasci lounge turns into a venue for Friday and Saturday night events. This lounge is most commonly used as a place where student take a nap in-between classes. Panasci lounge is well known throughout the Syracuse community as having the most comfortable couches.

Ludwig Lounge

The Ludwig Lounge is located on the basement level of the Schine. Like the Panasci Lounge, it is a quiet study space for students to get their classwork done, with comfortable furniture, tables, chairs, wired and wireless internet access.

Goldstein Auditorium

Goldstein Auditorium is one of the largest indoor venues that Syracuse University owns. The venue is a multipurpose space that can house shows, banquets, dances, meetings, conferences, and concerts. The auditorium can hold up to 1,500 people at a time. Many clubs and organizations use Goldstein Auditorium to hold their major events. Many performers and speakers have taken the stage at Goldstein to entertain both Syracuse students and the Syracuse community.

Schine Dining Center

The Schine Dining Center is a nice and quiet dining facility located in the left section of Schine. Popular food chains associated with the dining center are Sbarro and Dunkin Donuts. Many people use the Schine Dining Center as an alternative to the regular dorm food. Although Schine Dining does not take meal swipes, the center takes SUpercard and cash payments. The dining center has been known to be a place where a lot of high status athletes dine.

Schine Computer Cluster

Schine Computer Cluster is one of many places where student can access a computer on campus. Students hustle to the computer cluster to print off notes or papers before class starts. Printing costs $.10 per page and each student is has a budget of $20 solely for printing (included in tuition). Also the computer cluster is used for students that do not have own their own computer and use the school computers. Some classes require students to use specific software that are on the Syracuse computer network so students choose to do homework in the computer clusters.

Jabberwocky Cafe

Jabberwocky Cafe and The Underground are two performance venues for low key events. Both are used for coffee houses, small bands, open mic nights, comedians, and other live entertainment. Notable performers that have come to the Underground are Secret Machines, Sizzla, The Format, Matt Wertz, Gary Jules, Cary Brothers, Straylight Run, Styles P and Mae. Jabberwocky Cafe and the Underground are great places to hold fundraiser events and non-formal events. When performances are not happening, these two places are perfect for casual lounging and studying. Very few students utilize these rooms which enhances the quiet atmosphere.

 

References

“Schine Student Center.” Schine Student Center. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Student Association.” Syracuse Student Association. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Syracuse University Bookstore.” The Official Syracuse University Bookstore. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Event Scheduling Office.” Event Scheduling Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service.” CPCS Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Center for Career Services.” Career Services Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Office of Student Life.” OSL. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Parents Office.” Parents Office. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

“Office of Multicultural Affairs.” Office of Multicultural Affairs. Web. 10 Nov. 2009. <>.

Holden Observatory: A Short History

November 18, 1887, Syracuse University: Visions of the cosmos flashed through the minds of the students, faculty, and community members of Syracuse as they sat in silence in Hendricks Chapel, listening to plans for the new Observatory. It was a time during which astronomy was still a completely unexplored horizon, a territory unknown. The possibilities seemed infinite to a University that had never pondered such oddities.

The Observatory has been a warrior on this campus. A 126-year-old building, it has stood strong against the daunting hand of time. Both its physical splendor and rich history make it something with which one should want to acquaint oneself. Understanding the individual history of Holden Observatory gives one a larger idea of the type of movement this school has gone through. It is a hidden gem, and even though it is tucked away behind a clustering of buildings nowadays, it stands as prominently on its own plot of land as brightly as when it was first opened.

 

E.F. Holden

Erastus Holden was born into a family of the lower class in Charlotte, NY in 1826. He was described as a hardworking man, and entered into the coal business as a young adult when he moved to Syracuse. He eventually became the Treasurer of Franklin Iron Manufacturing company . A correspondence ensued. The two men worked together in creating something that would foster education and leave a lasting impression on the campus; they named it Holden Observatory .

 

Opening Ceremony

The school was buzzing with excitement on the day of the Dedication Ceremony of Holden Observatory. So much anticipation rose on campus that one freshman claimed “there was no school”. On Friday, November 18, 1887, students, staff, and townspeople gathered in Hendricks Chapel to welcome the new building to the University. Beginning with Responsive Readings and prayer, the service included three speakers: Dr. Simon Newcomb, E.F. Holden, and Chancellor Sims.

Dr. Newcomb, an important lecturer of astronomy of the time, made a speech titled “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences”. His claim revolved around the fact that even though astronomy was a very small, relatively new branch of science, it still held relevance because of its connections to the history of physics and related sciences. His array of references to past scientists and theories reminded the readers that he was, indeed, a professor. He opened his audience’s eyes to how much is left to be discovered in the cosmos, creating a speech that still rings true in the present day. It seems like one of his goals in speaking such a way about physics was to not only excite his listeners on the subject, but to help them understand why an observatory on campus will foster the minds of the students and surrounding community. The speech closes with less of a factual tone and more of an earnest one:

The knowledge of the littleness of our place in the universe has done more for mankind, has been better for us, than any gratification of our material wants. A few centuries ago the appearance of a comet struck everyone with terror; in the simple thought that we now look upon a celestial visitor with no feeling but admiration for its beauty we have something which more than compensates for all the money and labor we have expended upon observatories and instruments.” . In 1980, the Observatory became a national landmark, which offered it protection and recognition .

Holden Observatory in the mid twentieth century. Credit: Naomi Falk, thanks to Syracuse University Archives

It wasn’t until 1991 that the building was actually . The process was a slow one, taking a couple of days to move the building just 190 feet, moving at four inches per hour. Costing the University $200,000, the building now sits nestled between Eggers, Crouse, and the Law Building on a small clearing

  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F. “Letter to Chancellor Sims.”. Syracuse: 29 Oct 1886. 1. Print
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Clark, Mrs. Howard. “No Title”. Handwritten note, Syracuse University, Syracuse , NY.
  • Sims, Charles. “The University Observatory.” Newspaper Unknown (written to “The Journal”)(Syracuse) n.d., n. pag. Print.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Newcomb, Simon. “The Place of Astronomy in the Sciences.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Holden, E.F.. “Presentation of the Observatory.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 November 1887. Speech.
  • Dedicatory Exercises of the Holden Observatory.” Syracuse Supplement” (Syracuse) 8 December 1887 1887, n. pag. Print
  • Sims, Charles. “Dedication.” Dedication Ceremony. Syracuse University. Syracuse, New York. 18 Nov 1887. Speech.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • “Beholden to Holden.” Focus. 1.1 (1948): 10. Print.
  • Photo of Holden Telescope. Kelly, Jane. 1967. Holden Observatory, Syracuse.
  • Flusche, Michael. “Remarks at Holden Rededication.” Syracuse Physics Dept. Syracuse Physics Dept, 3 Sep 1998. Web. 2 Apr 2013 <http://www.phy.syr.edu/info/holden/holden.html>.
  • Milks, Bob. “Astronomy: A Definite Up.” Daily Orange(Syracuse) 13 October 1967, n. pag. Print.
  • Hicken, Melanie. “Recently opened Academic Integrity Office fails to live up to campus community’s great expectations.” Daily Orange (Syracuse) 06 March 2007, n. pag. Print. <http://dailyorange.com/2007/03/recently-opened-academic-integrity-office-fails-to-live-up-to-campus-community-s-great-expectations/>.
  • “The Observatory.” Onondagan. (1887): n. page. Print.
  • Photograph of Holden Observatory. (1970). Syracuse University, Syracuse. Print.
  • “Campus Life: Syracuse; 1887 Observatory, All 375 Tons of It, Moves to New Site.” New York Times (New York City) 20 June 1991. n. pag. Print. <http://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/30/nyregion/campus-life-syracuse-1887-observatory-all-375-tons-of-it-moves-to-new-site.html>.

The College of Agriculture & University Farm

The Establishment of the College of Agriculture & Farm

During the early 1900’s, a College of Agriculture, and a University Farm were included among the group of colleges collectively known as Syracuse University. The college was located in what is now known as Slocum Hall and the farm existed on the land that is presently South Campus. Although the discontinuance of the college and farm was made official in 1934, the expansion of knowledge, and experimental methods practiced on this and other college farms, helped to lay the foundation for many of today’s agricultural practices, thus making it worthy of historic note.

The History

Land Grant status, government subsidies, and the Morrill Act in 1862 were largely responsible for the establishment and growth of the majority of this nations agricultural school’s. Unable to obtain any of this government funding, then Chancellor James R. Day, in 1910, using his own personal funds, purchased a 100 acre tract of land to be used as the college farm, and thereby established a program for the study of agriculture on the S.U. campus. He received strong support from Dr. William L. Bray, the Chair of the Botany Department at that time, who was instrumental in the development of the entrance requirements, course guidelines, and the building of the academic structure needed for the running of such a college. Student enrollment in the first year numbered 35 but had grown to 100 students by the 1913-14 school year. By 1918 with both public interest and enrollment continuing to increase, the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture building was erected with funds donated by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage. She had donated $300,000 specifically for building of the college and the school was named in memory of Margaret’s late father Joseph. During the majority of its years, enrollment numbered between 100-150 students per  year.

Historical Context & Cultural and Social Ideals 

The emergence of the first agricultural colleges in the late 1800’s was not without controversy. There were as many detractors, surrounding the inclusion of a degree in agricultural studies at the college level, as there were supporters.  Albert H. Leake states in his 1915 book The Means and Methods of Agricultural Education

“In view of the success of the colleges, it is interesting to read some of the early expressions used concerning them. The older colleges looked with considerable disfavor upon the intrusion of the institutions into what they considered their considerable domain. “A waste of public lands and private fortunes”; the dreams of amiable but visionary enthusiasts”; “another illustration of the folly of attempting to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear”; and many others, were the expressions applied to them.  In a report presented by the Commissioner of Labor in 1893, the agricultural colleges are called “half developed colleges of agriculture and mechanics.” He places them between the trade schools and the technical colleges of university grade, giving them a very indefinite and nondescript position. The attitude was, perhaps, not hostile to the colleges but at any rate it shows that they had not yet achieved a recognized position among the educational institutions of the country.”

The Harvester: J.S.C.A Yearbook

The College of Agriculture’s student body produced and published an annual yearbook known as The Harvester, the first copy of which was published in 1923. These publications contained articles that dealt directly with the day to day activities and functions of the university’s College and farm, as well as other informational articles on various agricultural related subjects. Topics included the benefits of different seed types, useful tools, farm equipment and animal husbandry and would have been of interest to anyone involved or interested in the many facets of agriculture and farming. The yearbook was also considered a “valuable educational tool for the students as they were not only responsible for its content, but the selling of the advertisement to support it as well further enhancing their communication skills.”5

J.S.C.A. Song: Farmers song

I found this song in the filed box of documents located in the Syracuse University Archives. Although it was not authorized and i was unable to find out much more about it, it appears to be written by students of the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture, and so I decided to include it here. This  copy of the song was included on a one page document which contained several old S.U. school songs, including Syracuse Universities Alma Mater.

1  We are the Farmers, jolly old Farmers,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know the horse and cow, we know how to milk and plow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Duck told us so.

2  We are Mechanics, greasy Mechanics,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you al may know.
We know all tractors and their internal factors,
How the deuce did we find that out? “ Sib” told us so.

3  We are the Herdsman, immaculate Herdsman
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know,
We know the Bacterio, we know what makes it grow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Harley told us so.

4 We are the Planters, scientific Planters,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know good seeds from weeds, we know just what to feed,
How the deuce did we find that out? “Herb” told us so.

5 We are the Poultrymen, incubating Poultrymen,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know the Rooster O, we know what makes him crow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Lin told us so.

6 We are the Gardeners, intensive Gardeners,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We know all diseases and slugs, we know the control of bugs,
How the deuce did we find that out? “Shorty” told us so.

7 We are the Aggies, all kinds of Aggies,
We are from J.S.C.A. as you all may know.
We’re always sure to know just how to make things grow,
How the deuce did we find that out? Dean told us so.

Closing:

The closing of the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture was formally announced in a letter dated May 6th 1933 by Chancellor Charles W. Flint who had succeeded James R. Day. Formal education was continued for those currently enrolled and upon their graduation in 1934 the college officially closed its doors. The farm continued to operate on a limited basis until the land was needed for housing units built for the large influx of returning World War II veterans attending Syracuse University after the war.

During its 24 years of inhabitancy, the Joseph Slocum College of Agriculture remained the only agricultural college in country that was run completely without the benefit of state or federal funding. Competition from other colleges, declining enrollment, rising labor costs, and lack of financing ultimately led to the schools closing. The disparity and allocation of state funding for colleges of both forestry and agriculture in New York State have been widely referenced to and written about. The heated competition and dispute between Syracuse and Cornell Universities was especially contentious, and the animosity between Chancellors Bailey of Cornell and Day of Syracuse was plainly apparent. As Cornell’s College of Agriculture, funded by state money grew, attendance at Syracuse University’s agricultural school began to dwindle. In Chancellor Flints letter announcing the closing of the school he explains that

” The growing tendency in higher educational circles to avoid unnecessary duplication in specialized field, and the difficulty of financing the necessary curriculum for a limited enrollment have recently  made acute the question of continuing this college in spite of its noble record of the past three years. While recognizing the significance of its work, the Board has not felt this to be sufficient to justify the duplicating in a considerable measure of the work of the State College of Agriculture at Cornell University”. 6

In the end there was somewhat of a compromise with Cornell closing it’s College of Forestry and Syracuse closing it’s College of Agriculture. Both went on to develop widely respected, highly successful colleges in their respective fields; Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Syracuse University College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Citations

Works Cited

 Bailey, L. H.. The training of farmers,. New York: Century, 1909. Print.

Bradley, Howard R.;The Harvester Dec. 1923

 Flint, Charles W. “ Document announcing the discontinuation of the College of Agriculture;

Office of the Chancellor, SyracuseUniversity, 6 May 1933

Images; n.d. The Harvester; SyracuseUniversity Archives Dec. 1923; 30

Leake, Albert H.. The means and methods of agricultural education,. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1915. Print.

Leavitt, Frank Mitchell. Examples of industrial education,. Boston: Ginn and company, 1912. Print.

Nye Reuben L.; What College?

The Harvester Dec. 1923; 5

SyracuseUniversityBuildings; University Farm, 2010 Web. 1 April 2013

Links

 

  1. Leake 148
  2.  
  3. The Harvester
  4.  
  5. The Harvester
  6. Flint

A History of Archbold Stadium

 

Archbold Stadium ARM 11-0124
A postcard of the main entrance to Archbold Stadium. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

John D. Archbold looks out over the stadium he founded. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

John D. Archbold looks out over the stadium he founded. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Archbold Stadium was the first athletic stadium built at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. At the time of its construction it was one of only three concrete stadiums in the world and was deemed by many as “The Greatest Athletic Arena in America”. Opened in 1907, it served as a multi-purpose stadium for Syracuse University’s football, track, and field team. Archbold Stadium’s footprint is now the current location of The Syracuse University Carrier Dome.

Construction

Blueprints of Archbold Stadium seating. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Blueprints of Archbold Stadium seating. Copyright: Syracuse University Archives

Construction of the stadium took place from May 1, 1905 to early 1908.  It was located at the southeast corner of Steele Hall. When it was opened on September 25, 1907, the inside of the stadium was close enough to completion to accommodate the first game’s audience, but the exterior walls were not yet finished.

Syracuse Athletics

Archbold Stadium was designed from the ground up to accommodate Syracuse University’s football team, but it also hosted the track and field team who used the oval track.  On occasions, the baseball team would also use the field to practice.  During the Stadium’s 71-year lifespan, a total of 385 football games took place on the field.  The Orangemen franchise was one of the most prestigious in the country, with over 6 million spectators to witness it.  Great All-American runners like Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Larry Csonka all were iconic athletes of the sport. 10 Ernie Davis, who wore the famous number 44, was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. In 1959 Davis along with Art Baker and Gerhard Schwedes who made up what was known as the “Dream Team,” went undefeated for the season and took home the National Championship. 11 The Orangemen played some of the most regarded teams like the Ivy Leagues, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, and Princeton.  Thanks to the world-class facilities, Syracuse football brought in some of the most talented athletes around. 10 Syracuse University has been a major contender in the sport from Archbold’s completion to present day.

Deconstruction

As time took its toll on the stadium, it started to look like the end of days for the historic arena.  The 71 year-old arena has seen its share of Syracuse winters and its age was beginning to show. The concrete grandstand was deteriorated and was demolished and the cement had become a web of cracks and chips. The drainage system no longer functioned and flooded locker rooms were a common occurrence. The rodent problem became such a problem that visiting teams had to prepare for the games off site. The once historic icon was now becoming a nuisance and an eyesore for the University.  Over the years, upgrades have been made to the structure to increase seating capacity, which at one point reached 40,000. 13 The initial cost of the stadium was $600,000, but with all the additions and maintenance, the overall cost was over $4 million. 10 But due to new fire codes and regulations, the legal capacity for the stadium was only just over 30,000.  In 1977, the College Football Association announced that NCAA stadiums must have a capacity of at least 33,000 people in order for there to be national telecasts.  In 1977, Vice Chancellor Clifford L. Winters started planning the demolition of Archbold Stadium and the construction of a new domed arena in its place. Demolition of the old stadium started immediately after the last season home game on November 11, 1978 and was completed in March 1979.  The $27 million structure named the Carrier Dome after a $2.75 million donation from the Carrier Corporation was the 5th largest domed stadium in the country.  At 7.5 acres, it just barely covers the footprint of Archbold Stadium. 13

Works Cited

  1. “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  2.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 2011: Web. http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html.
  3. “A Stadium For The University.” The Post-Standard (Syracuse) 8 Mar. 1905: 1. Print.
  4.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 2011: Web <http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html>.
  5.  Burton, Rick. “Archbold’s Greatest Gift.” Syracuse University Magazine 29.3 (2011): Web. <http://sumagazine.syr.edu/2011spring/alumnijournal/archbold.html>.
  6.  “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  7. Consolidated engineering & construction company, New York. Syracuse University Stadium: Built by Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company … New York; Pictures Showing Method of Construction Accompanied by Historical And Technical Sketch. New York: Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company, 1907.
  8. “Syracuse University Archives: Buildings – Archbold Stadium.” Syracuse University Archives. Syracuse University Archives, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2013. <http://archives.syr.edu/buildings/archbold_stadium.html>.
  9. Consolidated engineering & construction company, New York. Syracuse University Stadium: Built by Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company … New York; Pictures Showing Method of Construction Accompanied by Historical And Technical Sketch. New York: Consolidated Engineering & Construction Company, 1907.
  10. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  11.  Pitoniak, Scott. Syracuse University Football. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2003. Print.
  12. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  13.  Marc, David (2005) “Dome Sweet Dome,” Syracuse University Magazine: Vol. 22: Iss. 3, Article 8.
  14. Carroll, Tim. “Farewell, Old Friend.” The Empire Magazine Syracuse Herald-American (Syracuse) 1978: 1+. Print.
  15.  Marc, David (2005) “Dome Sweet Dome,” Syracuse University Magazine: Vol. 22: Iss. 3, Article 8.

With the support of Franklin First Financial