WKTV - There will be no fans allowed to attend Syracuse football games at the newly renovated Carrier Dome this fall. At least, as it stands right now.
Speaking in a conference call with media, Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo was asked about the possibility of fans being allowed at college sports games should they take place.
Governor Cuomo deferred to his Budget Director, Rob Mujica, who said: "Right now we are still at fan-less sports activities. That would be a large social gathering, everyone together in the stadium, and that is not authorized as of yet."
Following that statement, Cuomo said "Fan-less. So the game can go on, the game can be televised, but no fans."
After this, many outlets reported that a ban order was placed on fans at college sporting events in the fall.
However, in a tweet, Jon Campbell of the USA Today Network, said that he took Cuomo and Mujica's statement to mean fans would not be allowed to attend at this moment, but that could change moving forward, citing Mujica's use of the terms "right now" and "as of yet."
I see some "Cuomo bans fans at college sports in the fall" stories.
That's not quite how I read his comments. He deferred to his budget director, who said fans aren't allowed at sporting events *right now*. pic.twitter.com/Z0IscbYEiB
— Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellGAN) July 21, 2020
Governor Cuomo's secretary, Melissa DeRosa seemed to confirm Campbell's tweet by replying "correct."
The ACC has made no decision regarding the status of sports in the fall. Following the Big Ten Conference's decision to play conference-only schedules in the fall, but still hold a season for its teams.
Many expect other major conferences to do the same.
Under the current schedule, Syracuse is set to begin its season on the road against Boston College on September 4. The following week, the Orange were to play Rutgers on the road, but that game will not happen due to the Big Ten's conference-only schedule.
Syracuse would hold its home opener at the Dome on September 19 against Colgate.
"The health and safety of our student-athletes, our fans, our campus community and the broader Central New York community is our chief priority," said Syracuse University Director of Athletics, Jon Wildhack in response to the topic. "We appreciate and support Governor Cuomo's continued commitment and ongoing efforts to keeping our communities safe. We will seek further clarification regarding the opportunity to have fans at our games and move forward appropriately under the guidance of the state."
The Orange averaged 42,164 fans per game in six home football games in 2019.
