Global technology company JMA Wireless has acquired naming rights to the Carrier Dome, home of Syracuse University’s sports teams.
The 10-year deal rebrands the stadium as the JMA Wireless Dome, or the JMA Dome for short. It marks the first time the Carrier Dome’s naming rights have changed hands since the venue opened in 1980, with the university’s 40-year partnership with Carrier coming to an end last month.
Syracuse University said that JMA Wireless will support the Dome’s digital infrastructure transformation by establishing “advanced connectivity offerings” for fans and other guests.
JMA Wireless was recently appointed to provide 5G equipment for SoFi Stadium, home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. The company is also opening a new 5G campus in the City of Syracuse.
The university announced last month that it will embark on the next phase of its work to enhance, elevate and expand the experience at the Dome, which has a capacity of around 50,000 for American football games.
The latest phase of renovations will build on the recently completed $118m (£93.8m/€110.5m) transformation of the stadium, which was funded entirely by the university and private philanthropy. These renovations included a new fixed roof, the largest vertically hung scoreboard in college sport, the installation of air conditioning and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.
The next phase of the renovations includes a complete reseating of the entire venue and the construction of an on-site and publicly accessible event facility.
Syracuse University chancellor Kent Syverud said: “This is an exciting moment for Syracuse University, Syracuse Athletics and the broader Central New York community. With JMA Wireless as our new naming partner, our campus community, student-athletes and fans alike can expect a world-class event experience, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before at Syracuse University.
“I am grateful to JMA founder and CEO John Mezzalingua for his partnership and vision. His investment in the City of Syracuse and Central New York will pay dividends for years to come in the form of economic vitality, career opportunities for local residents and cutting-edge technology innovation taking place in our region. We share JMA’s commitment to the City of Syracuse and Central New York and look forward to seeing the positive impact our partnership will have on our local community.”
Mezzalingua added: “Our company’s ties to the city and university run deep. I remember when Syracuse redefined college athletics with the Dome, a unique venue that ushered in a period of unprecedented success for Syracuse sports. With this partnership, we have an opportunity to lead once again.
“The Dome will have the most advanced 5G network of any collegiate stadium, connecting fans as never before. It will also enable powerful new augmented reality training systems, advanced coaching tools and sensor-based performance optimisation to attract elite athletes and help Syracuse win. The JMA Dome has an incredibly bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
Image: Jimhoward03/CC BY-SA 4.0/Edited for size
