Homepage

Syracuse Students’ Thoughts on the Lally Athletics Complex SU Students' Thoughts on the Lally Athletics Complex

Some think the $150 million investment in the complex is unnecessary.

By Alex Remoll

The front doors and sign, that reads, "John A. Lally Athletics Complex, Syracuse University," on the front wall that make up the entryway of the John A. Lally Athletics Complex at Syracuse University
© 2023 Alex Remoll

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The first landmark in the construction of Syracuse University’s renovation of its athletic facilities was completed last week. The entryway to the John A. Lally Athletics Complex was opened, so the people of Syracuse can see the progress made on the $150 million project.

Syracuse University pitched the complex as a “state-of-the-art academic and athletics village.” Through the complex, SU will provide training facilities, academic support, career counseling, and more to student-athletes from every sport. This move makes Syracuse a more attractive destination for aspiring athletes. But some SU students take issue with so much money going towards around 600 of the thousands of Syracuse students.

Syracuse freshman Didi Carty is one of these students. She believes that SU should focus on its student housing problem before upgrading athletic facilities.

“I don’t think it should be built. I think we should use that money to build more housing for incoming freshmen, or overall, the student population,” Carty said.

Syracuse University has recently had to relocate students due to over-admitting, and some students believe that this has to stop before millions of dollars are put towards athletics.

Other students see the benefits of investing in Syracuse athletics. The Syracuse area does not have major professional sports, but the Orange supply the closest thing. SU freshman Julia Bossis is all for the renovations to the athletics complex.

“I think it’s good that resources are being put into the complex, for athletes, and, just for the overall sports. Obviously sports is a big part of Syracuse and the community, so I think it’s good that there are investments being made,” Bossis said.

The Syracuse athletic department is a massive draw for Central New York sports fans, which is made clear by record profits in recent years. Syracuse sports are a source of pride for CNY residents, but the investment may not be worth it if the actual students’ needs are not being met.

REMOLL: As you can hear from the noise of campus, the SU community is very lively, and it’s full of opinions on the new Lally Athletics Complex. This investment concerns some students, such as Freshman Didi Carty, who believe that there are other issues that need to be addressed before the athletic complex is improved.

CARTY: “I don’t think it should be built, I think we should use that money to, like, build more housing for incoming freshmen, or just, like, overall, like the student population.”

REMOLL: Student housing has been a hot topic recently, as overcrowding has led to some students living in the Sheraton Hotel. Other students think that the benefits to Syracuse athletics warrant the investment in the Lally Complex. Freshman Julia Bossis sees the positives in the project.

BOSSIS: “I think it’s good that resources are being put into the complex, for athletes, and, just for the overall sports. Obviously sports is a big part of Syracuse and the community, so I think it’s good that there is investments being made.”

REMOLL: The benefit to the CNY community through sport could be great, but the university needs to make sure it doesn’t forget the plight of its students. Alex Remoll, NCC News.

Related Articles