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We knew this arena business was far from over but now Syracuse University has upped the ante, showing Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner exactly what they have in mind for a new sports arena to replace the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse.com has the deets but here's the gist...
- Everything you've heard is pretty much spot on. SU wants to build a 44,000-capacity arena with a retractable roof, preferably on the Kennedy Square property near campus (though they're not entirely counting out Skytop). Plans also call for a 250-room hotel, 160+ apartments and 150K feet of retail space (hello Mega-Pita Pit!). The stadium would become the new home of Syracuse Orange basketball, football, lacrosse and more.
- SU is suggesting a cost of $495M, raised through a mix of private and public funding. However, they're making it clear that SU does not want to the owner of the property, merely the tenant. That dollar figure does not include actually buying the property or creating parking lots.
- SU is still considering improvements to the Carrier Dome regardless of this plan, though it remains unclear what happens to the old girl if and when the new arena is built.
- There is currently no architect, design or specific plan in place. Gotta get dat cash first.
So, now what? Well, I guess now we wait for Miner's response to the response. Since it's also all on the table that it's Syracuse University & Onondaga County Exec Joanie Mahoney vs. Miner, it'll be interesting to see how the mayor moves forward. The chance to get money to pay for this project from the state has already passed (at least this time), but it sounds like SU has some ideas on how to get the ball rolling in the interim.
So, now that you know exactly what SU wants, how do you feel about it?
