SYRACUSE, N.Y.– Classic rock music ruled over Central New York this past weekend as Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, and Mötley Crüe performed at the JMA Dome in Syracuse.
While the bands kickstarted the hearts of the fans in attendance, the JMA Dome showcased just how impressive the venue is. Danyell Monk, a Syracuse University grad student who attended the concert, said the Dome is a phenomenal venue for rock music.
“Yeah, it can get pretty loud in the Dome,” said Monk. “It’s something I really love as a concert goer.”
Monk said this past weekend is her seventh concert of the year. She said the JMA Dome gets very loud for concerts, especially rock. Keith Kobland, media manager at Syracuse University, said this is because of the acoustics in the Dome.
“What makes it loud are the fans themselves. A full arena means, typically, more fan excitement and reaction,” Kobland said. “But from a dynamic standpoint, having people in the seats also reduces the echoing effect inside the building. Sound bounces off the metal seats so having people in the dome helps acoustically too.”
One of the most common complaints about the Dome in the past is the heat. The JMA Dome, especially when it was air controlled, trapped a ton of heat inside the bubble and made fans sweat. The Dome has since received a revamped air conditioning system, and so far it seems to be working.
“It was freezing in there, I should’ve brought a sweatshirt with me,” said Monk. “I shouldn’t have worn shorts because it was cold in there, and normally that’s not the case.”
Kobland said the next big concert at the JMA Dome is on September 7, as Bruce Springsteen will be in Salt City for a performance. At the end of their set, Mötley Crüe also said that they would be back in Syracuse. It’s safe to say that the JMA Dome is one of the premiere venues in the region. Kobland agrees, and said the JMA Dome has come a long way.
“We’ve heard from long time concert goers that the experience is much more pleasant than the past,” said Kobland.
Monk agrees.
“That’s the kind of environment that you’re meant to be listening to rock music in,” Monk said. “So for me, it adds to the experience… I don’t really have a ton of complaints about the Dome.”
Monk said she is looking forward to her next concert at the JMA Dome.
