SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) —It’s been nearly two years since fans were allowed inside the Carrier Dome to watch Syracuse basketball. The Orange defeated Pace University last night in SU sophomore Eli Samuels’ first game since February of 2020.
The last time he had missed a game in person was years ago when his family visited Europe. The fanatic stayed up to listen on the radio at 3 a.m.
The Rochester native says his return to his beloved seat was 20 years in the making.
“My favorite thing to do, is going to basketball games,” Samuels said. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
The last time Samuels was in the dome for a basketball game was a tilt versus Georgia Tech on Feb. 22nd. It was also the last time he was in the old pressurized Carrier Dome and last time in there before COVID-19.
What’s exciting after that experience is the prospect of a historic season for players and fans. Jimmy, Buddy, and Head Coach Jim Boeheim get to write a new chapter of their family’s legacy. Samuels thinks he, like many other fans, play a role.
“You know the NCAA tournament had fans and that’s when they did best,” Samuels said. “They didn’t do great without fans so I think that shows the team feeds off fans, they need the energy and I think we’re gonna bring it.”
It’s safe to bet that Samuels will be at every game, and win or lose, a sense of normalcy is returning for fans across the Syracuse area.
