:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59418571/670409808.jpg.0.jpg)
In the past, we’ve spent a lot of time wondering aloud the cause of lower Syracuse Orange football attendance figures.
The easiest answer is the team’s been mediocre for the better part of two decades now. But alternative responses involve traffic (this Los Angeles resident guffaws at the notion), parking, Carrier Dome humidity, leaves to rake, apples to pick, etc...
But maybe the answer is the same reason why sorry millennials can’t but homes today. It’s avocado toast.
Not that CNYers are downing the simple food choice (it’s literally just avocado on toast, with spices as you wish) so much that they can’t afford the $99 $125 ticket price for football games. But because the Carrier Dome doesn’t have any available for purchase.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10667527/usa_today_10344365.jpg)
The Daily Orange recently asked sports business experts about what considerations need to be at the forefront for Dome renovations. Responses included Wi-Fi, more statues, gameday Quad enhancements, luxury seats and of course, food enhancements. One of those food enhancements floated out there was this one, from Temple assistant professor of sport management Thilo Kunkel:
“That’s how you can get fans who are not there for the football but because they are tagging along. That’s how you get them to commit and go again. It may not be because of that touchdown, but because of that smashed avocado toast.”
#OrangeIstheNewSmashed
All of the ideas tossed out sounded pretty good. Obviously Wi-Fi’s become one of the biggest concerns in a venue, and many fans consider it a dealbreaker as they look to share the gameday experience with friends and family. Craft beer (also mentioned) is clearly something I’m in favor of. While the Dome has been growing that part of the menu of late, there’s still more opportunities to lean into that and regional food choices to create a more unique-to-Syracuse atmosphere for fans.
Have your own ideas about Dome improvements? Hate millennials and avocado toast? Chime in below.