Syracuse Tailgate and Visitors Guide

Syracuse Looking Toward Onondaga Lake--click to enlarge

This is one of a series of tailgating guides for Big East football schools written by Syracuse fan and tailgate aficionado TexanMark. If you have any feedback or additional information you think belongs in this guide, please drop an email message to Mark by clicking here or make a comment below.

NOTE: I have populated a map found here with most of the places talked about here (be patient it might take 30 seconds to load). This wonderful website has informational maps on most major colleges. Check it out http://www.mapgameday.com

First Things First: Getting There:

Syracuse is the northernmost school in the Big East (Football schools). It is a relatively short trip from Rutgers and UConn (each about 4 hours). Other schools within a reasonable drive for a weekend game are 6-7 hours away (Pitt and WVU). Cincinnati and Louisville are too far to drive to unless you have 3 days or love spending the weekend in a car.

Flying into Syracuse is fairly easy. It is a decent sized airport but beware that some of the airfares can be artificially high. Jet Blue and US Air generally have the lowest airfares and have helped a lot to lower airfares into Syracuse. USAir is supposedly evolving into a low airfare carrier which will help. USAirways is the dominant carrier into Syracuse. In fact USAirways just did a nice fluff piece on Syracuse for their onboard magazine.

The airport is about 5 miles north of the downtown/university areas, many local motels will pick you up in their courtesy shuttles if you want to avoid renting a car. The great thing about Syracuse is 500,000 people live there but you are never more than 10-15 minutes from anything. If you are going to rent a car you might want to check into Albany, Buffalo and Rochester (all are within 2 hours of Syracuse) for lower airfares. Southwest serves Albany and Buffalo while Air Tran serves Rochester. Obviously, if you have an extra day or two you might want to check out Niagara Falls, Turning Stone Casino, Cooperstown and the World Famous Baseball Hall of Fame, Thousand Islands or the Finger Lakes wineries (all are within 2 ½ hours of Syracuse). This travel writer has named the Finger Lakes and the 1000 Islands in the Top 10 of all Lake Districts in the world! Note: World Class Salmon fishing is just 40 minutes north in Pulaski. If you really want a special trip try mixing in fishing and stay up in Pulaski for a few days and check here first for anything you forgot. A few more suggestions.


Turning Stone Casino--Oneida Nation


The train station and bus station are co-located about a mile north of downtown and it is a short walk (under an I-81 overpass) to the huge Carousel (DestiNY USA) Shopping Mall. You can catch a bus or cab from the train station to the university.

Game Day Parking/Tailgating:

Finding the Carrier Dome is fairly easy. It sits just east of downtown and is perched on top of a hill overlooking the city. However, the University provides a nice overview and has a general map you can use.

The Syracuse tailgating scene is one of lots of small tailgates spread throughout the campus. This is due to the Carrier Dome being built in the middle of a cramped campus with little close by parking. If you are a visiting fan you can find tailgating/parking options in the University area but it will be mostly by private vendors.


The Main Campus Click to enlarge
A link with interactive maps of all the Campuses

Suggested areas to look:

Check the fraternities/sororities on Walnut, parking garages (Sheraton Hotel, a few others can be found around Crouse and Irving Avenues a few blocks north of the Dome), and private residences. Expect to pay about $5-20 to park. BTW, I found a $5 lot near Adams St north of the Crouse Irving Hospital which sold out about three hours prior to kickoff. If you are lucky enough to have a connection there are several nice lots near the Dome for parking/tailgating but require a permit (based on donation level). All of the lots owned by the university close to the Dome are permit only. A nice printable map shows the permit parking lots. Best advice is to arrive 3-4 hours before kickoff and scout around for a spot. The university does offer two parking garages for gameday parking without a permit. University Ave Garage and Booth Garage are available but are expensive($20). See link above for locations.

Tailgating on campus is much different than a lot of other universities due to this lack of parking. Most of it takes place in small parking lots and parking garages. If you park at a parking garage obviously take a spot on the roof. One note you can not cook with open fire in garages--something about this gets the owners and Fire Department upset. ;-) You are smart to send a scout out early to claim a spot. For 12:00 kickoffs you should be able to find a decent spot as late as 9:00am. For later afternoon kickoffs you shouldn't delay much past 10:30am. For evening games you should be able to find decent spots until early/mid afternoon. In 2007 Syracuse will have one game on a Friday night (vs. Washington). I expect normal tailgating will be restricted. I expect Skytop and the Armory Square Trolley Lot will be your safest bets for out-of-towners.

The University recommends visitors without passes to park at Skytop, this map will give you a good overview of where it is in relation to the main campus. It is located about ½ mile south on Comstock from the main campus just past Manley Field House. Shuttle buses are available and free and run continously two hours before football games from both Skytop and Manley. Out of town RV’ers should expect to park at Skytop. I have been told RV's can park at Skytop the night before the game. You should call parking services to check though. Tailgating out at Skytop is good but it is usually mellow with smaller tailgate groups. Many fans prefer to tailgate there and take the shuttle to the game. Expect to pay $10 to park at Skytop. Bottom line: if in doubt before game day call the parking services department on campus for more info. NOTE: if you are bringing a group of fans in with a bus or RV, I recommend calling parking service if you want to park oncampus. They will be able to sell you a parking spot very close (Henry Lot, look about two blocks west of the Dome) to the the Carrier Dome for $60 or out at Skytop for $40. This is a great deal as parking in here is usually reserved for fans who donate larger sums of money to the Orange Club)but visiting fans with RV's and Buses can also park there with advance notice. If parking services is giving you the run around try calling the SU Box Office at 888-DOMETIX (366-3849) for RV/Bus parking at the Henry Lot.

CENTRO Bus Service:

CENTRO (the local bus company) offers several great options from different parts of the city. Out of Towners if you find yourself staying near the Great Northern Mall (I-481 and SR 31) in Clay (North Side), Wegman's Grocery Store in Dewitt (near I-481 and SR 5) this could be a handy stress free option. They also provide this service for basketball games.

Tailgate Supplies:

NOTE: In New York State you can buy beer in grocery stores but hard liquor and wines are sold in liquor stores. Obviously the Huge 24/7 Walmarts (this one isn't a Super Center but it is close to the liquor stores mentioned below) around town offer good selection of tailgate supplies and beer. If you are already situated at your tailgate and need a few items try these places (all are within 10 mins of the campus): The Party Source (extensive beer selection) at 2646 Erie Blvd., Phone: (315) 446-8281, The biggest and closest liquor store is also out near the Party Source. Pascale's Liquor Square has a huge selection of liquor and wine. The closest Full Scale 24 hour Grocery Store is Price Chopper at 2515 Erie Blvd., Ph 315-449-2314.. If you want to shop the best Supermarket Syracuse has to offer try the Wegman's Chain (this one is about 10 mins from the University. They have a very loyal following on the east coast. NOTE: Allow an hour to shop here--once you enter you get sucked in and don't want to leave. LOL

Money Saver Tip: Wegmans, Price Chopper and the P+C Grocery Stores in Syracuse use loyalty cards. If you are a one time shopper usually if you ask a person in line they'll let you borrow their card to swipe for the discounts or the checkout person usually will swipe a card for you.

If you can't drive and are tailgating on/just off campus and need some beer/food. The closest walkable place is a Convenient Food Mart at 701 Crouse and Adams, Ph 315-475-0900 (about a block north of Marshall Street Ticket Scalping Area). They offer a limited selection of beer and some food stuffs.


ARMORY SQUARE PARKING/TAILGATING (Alternative)

NOTE: As of March 2008 the Orange Express Train Service is in limbo. It has shut down although there is some behind the scenes efforts to keep it running for sporting events. Check in the Fall before you make any plans to tailgate and ride from the Trolley Lot. I expect the merchants around Armory Square to at least run buses from Armory Square to the Dome.

I'd like to give both 'Cuse and visiting fans another option: Armory Square. Armory Square is a fabulous area of entertainment choices about one mile away in Downtown Syracuse. It literally was a decaying old warehouse area that was rejuvenated in the last 10-15 years. What makes Armory Square so appealing for tailgating is free parking and "The Orange Express" AKA ONTrack. Syracuse has local train service on game day between Carousel Mall, Armory Square and the Carrier Dome. The trains start running 90 minutes before game time and the last train leaves the Carrier Dome 30 minutes after the game ends. About a ten minute ride you end at a train platform near the Carrier Dome located a couple blocks west of the Dome near I-81 (walk up the hill on E. Raynor Ave.). NOTE: On the linked map the train station is located approximately where you see the "Interstate 81" symbol. The walk to the Dome is a fairly steep walk and may not be suitable for those with severe mobility issues.


The thing I like (about the Trolley Lot) is I don't have to worry about traffic and parking near the Dome. I arrive a few hours before the game and setup a tailgate in the Trolley Lot. This lot has free parking on weekends and is located behind the train tracks next to the ONTrack train station (look for the large "tear drop" shaped lot on the google link just below the green marker) . You get to it by driving under the track overpass through a tunnel to the right of the main ONTrack station. This tunnel is tall enough for RV’s but if in doubt there is an entrance from S. Clinton Street for RVs. About 90 minutes before just walk over to the train station and buy your roundtrip ticket and catch a train whenever you feel like to get up to the Dome. The roundtrip costs this year will $4.00 per person from Armory Square and $5.00 from Carousel Mall (aka DestiNY USA).


ONTrack Local Train Service to the Dome--Armory Square Station

Note: Do not expect the environment to be like your own campus because it isn’t located next to the university. Expect an older crowd tailgating here with extended generations of family being common. The times I have tailgated here the huge trolley lot never filled up but several hundred Cuse and visiting fans were peacefully coexisting. If you are in your teens or 20s the areas near the “quad’ on campus or the parking garages and lots near Marshall/Crouse Streets will be best if you want to assure yourself of a younger crowd. Rest assured though if you park at the Trolley Lot the Armory Square Entertainment area is alive and kicking with plenty of college students, 20 something’s and up, before and after the game if you find the Trolley Lot too tame. A lot of visiting fans seem to find the Armory Square area and you'll have a good chance of meeting fellow fans for ticket buying opportunities.

Money Saving Tip for ONTrack Users: PJ Dorsey's (aka PJs Pub and Grill) offers half price ONTrack tickets to SU games. They are located at 116 Walton Street in Armory Square. The place offers drink specials, TVs and usually is loaded with 20 and 30 year olds.


After the game is over just follow the crowd down the hill (easiest exit is Gate B) and catch a return train. Remember don't "dilly-dally" since the last train leaves about 30 minutes after the game ends. Note: If you miss the train your best option is to walk down Adams Street toward Armory Square (about a mile) or stay put and eat/drink on "The Hill" (local name for the University Area) and call for a cab when you are ready.



CARRIER DOME, TICKETS and SUCH

Tickets are a buyers market right now in Syracuse. The Dome's capacity is just shy of 50,000 but the last few years have seen crowds of around 35,000 for most games. There hasn't been a sellout in many years. I don't expect it to change until the Orange start winning again. The school offers Internet purchasing of tickets. They are doing both "print at home" and traditional mailing of tickets. If you arrive without tickets the best place to buy tickets are near the intersection of Marshall and Crouse, the walkway between the Quad (near Hendricks Chapel) and the Dome or the area surrounding the parking lots just west of the Dome. New York appears to be relaxing the rules on scalping tickets so the Police shouldn't bother you as long as you don't buy on the sidewalks next to the Dome.

The Dome mostly has aluminum bench seating (without backrests) and it is very easy to improve you seating into vacant areas. If you buy your tickets through your own University you should expect to be in the corner of the endzone near Section 111. Click here for the seating chart and here for what your view will look like. Normal questions about what you can bring into the stadium, where is disabled seating, etc...can be found here. Concessions include Beer (sales end at the start of the 3rd Quarter) and the normal food fare. If you get a Dome Dog make sure it is Hoffman Brand. Consession prices are fairly cheap compared to those at some other Big East Stadiums.


A FULL DOME--aka "The Loud House"

DOWNTOWN Options:

When you arrive back, a multitude of choices in the Armory Square area await you.

Visitors should check out: Syracuse Suds Factory and world famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, the Blue Tusk (a funky meeting place with an awesome selection of beer on tap), and Clark's Ale House. Clark's in my opinion has the best roast beef sandwich I have ever tasted. Dinosaur has the best BBQ in the North and the most eclectic atmosphere of any place in CNY. Lemongrass offers upscale Thai-Pacific Rim Food as good as you'll get in large metropolitan areas. The 238 Bistro next door also is excellent for steaks, chops, etc. Great News! Armory Square has reopened its second brew pub in summer '07. The Empire Brewing Company shut down over a year ago must to the chagrin of its loyal fans. I plan to experience it again this Fall but if the brew retained its quality of before it is a must for visitors. BTW, the other Brew Pub (Syracuse Suds-mentioned above) is also quite good and has TVs for viewing games.


World Famous Dinosaur Barbeque

If you want a neat place to kill a few hours or you have children with you should check out M.O.S.T. it is an interactive science and children's museum. MOST also has an IMAX movie theater. A nice Italian Restaurant called Pastabilities was one of the original pioneers in the Armory Square area. Finally, a new restaurant that has good reviews is the upscale BC Restaurant.





Blue Task and Kitty Hoyne's--two great places to have a drink

The City of Syracuse has a good website for visitors that is also worth checking out.

HANOVER SQUARE (Another Downtown Option)

Hanover Square is a smaller version of Armory Square but it is considered quite good. Hanover Square is #5 on the linked map is bit more sedate and caters more to the 25+ crowd. The live music scene is alive an well at the Bull and Bear Pub. Kelly Cole's has a nice set up to watch college games on TV while enjoying a pint. Just around the corner from Hanover Square is a nice Restaurant called Traditions of Syracuse at 201 S. Salina Street.

LODGING (Close):

Note: The local Syracuse Visitor’s website a good place to help you find addresses and phone numbers for businesses. If you have waited until summer or fall for football weekends the rates around the Dome will be high (local motels traditionally jack up the rates even higher for Parents Weekend over a standard football weekend). Bottom line, if you have a car and want to save money you should look to the suburbs or outlying towns (Clay, Auburn, Cortland, Tully, Oneida, etc...). Note: If you are in dire straits for lodging try this website for some "Mom and Pop" motels. I like the convenience of being near the Dome and usually stay Downtown or near the campus. If you are flying or taking the train in for the game most of these hotels listed below will pick you up at the Airport/Train Terminal via Courtesy Shuttle. Note: If you book a motel room out near North Syracuse or Liverpool you can drive to Carousel Mall, park and take OnTrack to the game. Note: Call ONTrack to confirm.
I've compiled a list a few places below that all have proximity to the Dome, you can walk to them all or take OnTrack (This is the train/trolley that takes you within two blocks of the Dome from Armory Square/Carousel Mall). The service is available on game day.

Cheapest:

Econolodge (2 star quality) on James Street: Obviously, the benefit is you can get a room (they are clean) usually for around $60-80 with a breakfast and TV/Fridge/Microwave. Lately, the hotel has been jacking up the rates for some games. It isn't worth paying $120+ for some of the games. It is about a mile walk to the Dome and about a half mile to Armory Square. They do provide courtesy shuttle to the airport and other locales. The downside is the distance to the Dome and it is near St Joseph’s Hospital. You'll hear the ambulances. Be advised there are some street people in the neighborhood but the area is as safe as you can expect for an urban downtown environment. The Parking Lot is secure and well lit and the owners live on site. This is a great place to go with a bunch of guys--probably not the family. I have stayed here several times and have never had a problem.

One other option for those on a very limited budget is the Hi-Downing Hostel about 1 1/4 mile from campus.

Moderately Priced and Fairly Close to the Dome:

Parkview Hotel: A new boutique hotel opened May 2005. It is related to the GeneseeGrande property a few blocks away and mentioned below. Bottomline: it is reasonable (low/mid 100s) and close (about 5/8ths mile away to the Dome). All rooms feature custom fabrics, bright living spaces and flat-screen LCD TV; extended-stay suites also have kitchenettes. The Parkview also provides voice mail, speaker phone, high-speed Internet access and a 24-hour on-site business center with administrative support. Local phone number is #315-701-2600 (you might be able to get a better discount by calling) and they do provide a courtesy shuttle.

Renaissance, formerly the Marx Hotel The Marx Hotel converted over to the upscale Marriott Renaissance brand in 2007. This hotel is a far cry from the mid 90's when it still looked like the old Holiday Inn stuck in the 70's. A major renovation has been done and it looks great. It is in my opinion the best value among the upscale hotels near the campus. Located about 5/8 mile from the Dome. Nice onsite restaurant. The place is very clean. Rooms are around $125-150. I have heard Redfield's is a great restaurant and located in the hotel.
A very nice point is the free covered parking lot.
Note: If you ask, you can get complimentary shuttles.
A View From the Rennaissance click to enlarge

Genesee Grande Inn They recently did a major renovation--it is just beautiful. It is about 1/2 mile walk to the Dome on the north edge of campus. The pricing varies from the low 100s and up (Suites). Valet parking is available. The restaurant has received good reviews. This place sounds real good if you are bringing your wife. Be advised the neighborhood turns kind of dicey about five blocks east or north.

Closest, Upscale and Pricey:

Sheraton at the UniversityThis is the place to stay if you want to soak up the college experience. It is literally steps from the Dome. I always run into somebody famous there on gameday. The downside is it is expensive ($200+ a night) and most football weekends will book up early. On game day it has a lot of people mingling and the Hotel sets up a tailgate (fee to get food/drinks) outside for guests and visitors alike.


Sheraton at the University the closest Hotel to the Dome


Closest and Upscale to Armory Square/Bars:
Jefferson-Clinton Hotel (nee Hawthorn Suites) at Armory Square This is my favorite place but that is the problem, it is also with others and is usually booked. The Hotel is across the street from OnTrack and within staggering distance of all the bars at Armory Square. It is amazing what they did to the old Jefferson-Clinton, a one-time “flea bag” hotel in the 70s. If you get lucky with reservations expect to pay $150+ a night for a Queen Euro. Suites are $225+. A hot breakfast buffet is included. Free parking is outdoors in a contracted lot, valet/concierge services available.

LODGING (5-15 minutes away)

There are quite a few motels in the Carrier Circle area. This area is about 3 miles northeast of the university near the Thruway (I-90, exit 35) interchange by the same name. Note: You can click on this link and get the Yahoo interactive guide for the area. You can click under the “Smartview” toolbar to find restaurants, etc… This Candlewood Suites is fairly new and might have rooms when others don't in the Carrier Circle Area.

Another area is around the intersection of I-81 and I-90. The 7th North area also has several options. A real bargain can usually be had at the Econolodge near the Airport. The property is nearly new and clean and less than 10 minutes from the campus and real close to the next two suggestions. Two newer hotels are a Candlewood Suites and a Holiday Inn Express located about 5 miles N of the Dome at the entrance to the Airport on South Bay Road. I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Airport and was quite pleased. A very clean property about 3 mins from the terminal and very close to several restaurants. Both including the previously mentioned Econolodge may have rooms available when others are soldout.If you want something a little different in a motel try the Red Mill Inn in Baldwinsville. It is a neat little village about 15 minutes northwest of Downtown. The Hotel is an old mill on an island next to the old Erie Canal. Prices are generally about $100 a night and people have told me it is a great alternative to chain motels. Hint: A new Wingate just opened up about 6 miles NW of the Dome near Exit 39 on the Thruway.


The Red Mill Inn lodging next to the lock on the canal


I f you are looking for a Bed and Breakfast in the city try Moonstruck Manor on the west side. If you want a romantic getaway town, I recommend Skaneateles (pronounced "skinny- atlas"), Aurora or Cazenovia (pronounced "Caz -a-no-via"). Each village is charming and possesses excellent hotels, B and B’s and restaurants. One of the best lodges in the country is located in Skaneateles. If you are looking for a more casual lodging experience in Skaneateles try Skaneateles Suites. The place comes with reviews galore. Both villages are about a 30 minute drive to the University. Aurora is about 50 minutes southwest of Syracuse on Cayuga Lake and has a nice inn in a quaint setting. A little bit closer in the eastern suburb of Fayetteville is the Craftsman Inn. The hotel is noted for fine Syracuse made Stickley Furniture.

SHOPPING (Nonfootball Watching Spouse Option)

If you bring your spouse to Syracuse and they don’t want go to the game you have a wonderful compromise. You can park at Carousel Mall. The OnTrack station is located on the North side of the mall (Lakeside) “kinda” near the Best Buy and BonTon. It is outside the mall and located about 200 yards north of the building near the access road circling the mall. Just look for something that looks like a fancy bus stop near a set of railroad tracks. Be advised the mall will be undergoing major, major changes over the next 5-10 years. It is soon to be renamed DestiNY USA. It is planned to be a multi billion dollar destination place.



Carousel Mall ONTrack Station Click to enlarge

Two other shopping options: Shoppingtown Mall has been an institution in Syracuse for nearly 50 years. It is located near the hotels around Carrier Circle.

The COR Center has a nice mix of stores in a warm village atmosphere typically found in upper income areas, check out the Fayetteville Towne Center property. It is located on the east side about three miles further east from Shoppingtown. Note: There is a nice YMCA located at the development. UPDATE: LL Bean will be opening up an outlet in late September 07.

Sports Clothing: If you forgot a rain jacket or sweatshirt...you have a couple choices on Marshall Street: Shirt World, Manny's, and Syracuse University Bookstore. You can also try the Marshall Square Mall just behind Marshall Street.

DINING

I already mentioned above several excellent places to eat in the Armory Square area. If you want the college experience you need go no farther than the Marshall Street area (this is the main retail area for Syracuse University just a few blocks from the Dome).

Another option is the funky neighborhood on Westcott Street (between Genesee and Euclid) about ½ mile away.

Places that come highly recommended in the Marshall Street area (the main student retail center about 3 blocks from the Dome) are Faegan’s Café and Pub (famous beer and food joint for meeting friends), Varsity Pizza (local institution where all SU’s opponents pennants are on the wall. If SU wins a SU player gets the honor to turn the losing team’s pennant upside down) of course has good, cheap NY style pizza, Acropolis Pizza and Cosmo Pizza (two another great pizza places), Baja Burrito (similiar to Chipotle Mexican Grill), and King David (Middle Eastern and Greek food). A few more places can be found at the "Shoppes at Campus Plaza". Walk downhill on Crouse just below Marshall Street and turn right into an alley. You can find several ethnic restaurants and bars there.

If you are in the mood for great, old country German food, head to Weber's Restaurant on the north side of the city. Their sauerbraten is a house specialty.A few other unique places (you’ll need a car) to try: Heid’s of Liverpool is located about four miles north of downtown in the quaint village of Liverpool. The art deco styled restaurant has been an institution for generations of Syracuse residents. You need to try the coney “co-nee” (a white hot).



Heid's of Liverpool
Hoffman "Coneys", Made in Syracuse and Served at Heids

Another unique place is Coleman’s Irish Pub in the Irish neighborhood of Tipperary Hill. Tipperary Hill is famous for having the only green over red traffic light in the USA. The restaurant can be difficult to find so I suggest you print out a good map. The food is excellent and the atmosphere can’t be beat.



Coleman's Pub



If you are coming from the South or Midwest you should try the Clam Bar for excellent seafood. I love their haddock fish sandwich. It is huge! It is located near W. Taft Rd and Brewerton Road ( US 11) also known as “Sweetheart Corner” in North Syracuse. It is about five miles north of Downtown. Parking is located in the rear off South Bay Road.

Another famous seafood restaurant in Syracuse is Doug's Fish Fry. There are several locations throughout Central New York. It is especially well worth the drive to Doug's in the scenic village of Skaneateles.


Scenic Skaneateles (skinny-atlas)is 25 mins SW of Syracuse

Another excellent restaurant on the north side is Zebb's in Mattydale. Zebb's is located right next to the northbound Interstate 81 exit 26, in the Mattydale Plaza, opposite the parking lot from the K-Mart, about 4 miles north of downtown. Zebb's offers a varied menu with great burgers, BBQ, salads, etc. Another restaurant on the north side is famous for their cmfort food. The Plainville Farms Restaurant serves the finest organically raised turkey from their own farm. It is located about 10 mins north of downtown in Cicero.

SPORTS BAR ALERT: Good news--walking the campus looking for new sports bars yielded me a new one offering ESPN Gameplan on campus. ZJ's Pizza and Wings (aka Harry's) offers multiple screens with ESPN gameplan. It is located at 700 S. Crouse Ave in the basement....look for the CVS drugstore. No website but you can call them to see if they'll put on your game (315-422-2123). Maggies off Marshall Street sez they are a sports bar too..not sure if they have Gameplan.

In the local area: If you are looking for good times and good food in a sports bar offering ESPN Gameplan, you need to drive to one of the four Tully's locations in the Syracuse/Liverpool area. Another classic sports bar is Buffalo Wild Wings. It is located near Lowes off Route 11 and Circle Drive in the North Syracuse/Cicero area and they offer all the college games via ESPN gameplan, Directv, etc... One other place to check is the Beginning II, it is very close to the Carrier Circle Motel area. I recommend calling to see if they can get your college game as I'm not sure if they offer ESPN Gameplan.

If you crave Italian Food you should wander around Syracuse’s “Little Italy”. It is located just north of downtown. Two of the best restaurants there are Antonio's (a fairly expensive linen napkin type place that specializes in veal and seafood and is a favorite haunt for a certain local HOF basketball coach) and Angotti's (a little less expensive and more children friendly). Both have great Italian food. Another Italian restaurant near Little Italy is Gentile's Restaurant, they serve "eclectic italian".

One more excellent restaurant is Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, located on Erie Blvd East near Thompson Road, not far from Carrier Circle or the SU campus. It has become a great meeting spot for people who enjoy huge steaks and great Italian Food. You’ll have to try the 24 ounce steak and pasta for under $16.00! One last excellent Italian Restaurant is Casa di Copani, located about two miles northeast of downtown on Burnet Ave, near Thompson Road, also not far from Carrier Circle.

Finally if you crave a great sandwich/sub in the Jewish Deli style then look no further than the Brooklyn Pickle. They have an extensive menu and you will not leave hungry. They are at the corner of Midler and Burnet next to I-690 about 1 mile east of the university. They cater. Phone: 315-463-4969.

Golf

Central New York is blessed with a wide variety of affordable public golf courses. If you are a golfer and have time to get in a round, bring your clubs and check out one of the local tracts. You should be able to play golf in CNY at least through the end of October and sometimes you can get a round in during November. Here is a quick rundown of some of the best choices the area has to offer:


Green Lakes Golf Course--a nice bargain

Green Lakes

Green Lakes is a state course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr in 1935. Built on a series of drumlins about 10 miles east of Syracuse, the course is very hilly. Flat lies are rare. Not very long...5920 from the white tees and 6212 from the blues. The greens feature the massive undulations that became a trademark of the young RTJ. Some look like potato chips. Very pretty area. You can see Oneida Lake and the foothills of the Adirondacks from the high points of the course. Closes just after Thanksgiving each year.
The course was not well maintained just a few years ago. An extensive irrigation system has been installed and the course is looking better since they become operational.
Yardage: reds: 5481, whites: 5920, blues: 6212. Weekend cost: $24 to walk, $36 to ride.

Battle Island State Park Golf Course

If you are staying in the northern suburbs this is a fun course to play. It sits next to the Oswego River on State Route 48 a few miles north of Fulton. It is about 25 minutes from Downtown. It has hills, a little bit of water and no sand but fairly tight fairways in places. It is a real nice value and in decent shape. It is short but you'll use every club in your bag save your sand wedge. Par 72 plays from about 5400 to 6000 yards.

Radisson

Radisson Greens Golf Club is a semi private, 18 hole layout. It is located northwest of the city of Syracuse, about 20 minutes from downtown near the village of Baldwinsville. The design features large, bent grass greens, tight tree-lined fairways, large bunkers guarding all greens, with fairway bunkers on all but 5 holes. Lakes provide water in play on 6 holes and add to a challenging round for the most skilled player, packaged in a beautiful, scenic layout. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course opened in 1978.
The course features a number of striking and impressive holes and is arguably the most challenging layout for a public course in Onondaga County (the Turning Stone courses are not in Onondaga County). It is unfortunately not well maintained. Bunkers are rarely raked and the fairways are troubled in some areas.
Yardage: reds: 5543, whites: 6360, blues: 7010.
Weekend cost: varies.....see the web site.


Links at Sunset Ridge

The Links at Sunset Ridge is a relatively new course in Marcellus, about 20 minutes west of the SU campus. Built on rolling hills, the course features some great views of the surrounding countryside and farms. It is consistently well maintained.
The course is fairly wide open and has little danger....water and sand come into play on only a handful of holes. Despite having 6 par 5s, it is fairly short. The greens are hard to read and fairly quick. The carts are outfitted with GPS devices.
Yardage: reds: 5298, whites: 6123, blues: 6700 Weekend cost: $25 walking, $36 riding.

The 16th hole at Links at Sunset Ridge requires a precise approach shot over a large ridge to a green cut into the side of a large hill.

Foxfire

Foxfire is a challenging course located just off route 690. about 15 minutes northwest of the city of Syracuse. The well manicured layout meanders through various townhouses, patio homes and private residences. The fairways are fairly tight and most of the greens are protected by several fairway and greenside bunkers.
The course is generally well maintained.
Yardage: reds: 5401, whites: 6372, blues: 6856
Weekend cost: $30 walking, $40 riding.

Turning Stone

The Oneida Nation Turning Stone golf facility has emerged as the premiere golf destination in New York State. It features 3 outstanding premium priced 18 hole courses: Atunyote, Kaluyat and Shenendoah. All three are spectacular designs, especially Atunyote, which hosts an annual PGA event the 3rd week of September. All have been built in the past 5 years. All are extremely well maintained. If you have the money and the game, this is the place to go. Note that Turning Stone is a 35 minute drive from downtown Syracuse. It is worth the drive.

Atunyote reds: 5102, gold: 6069, whites: 6561, blues: 6998 Weekend cost: varies....see web site (but $150-$200)

Kaluhyat reds: 5293, gold: 5690, whites: 6183, blues: 6724 Weekend cost: varies....see web site (but $70-$125)

Shenendoah reds: 5185, gold: 5839, whites: 6328, blues: 6685 Weekend cost: varies....see web site (but $70-$125)


Kaluhyat


Atunyote

BUDGET GOLF


Drumlins West

If you are golf challenged and/or budget challenged, consider playing at the Drumlins West Course. Drumlins is owned by Syracuse University and is located very near the SU South Campus. The West Course is open to the public, features short holes and open fairways and great rates ($17 to walk the course).


Orchard Vali

Finally for you bad weather "golfaholics" I offer Orchard Vali. It is located about 10 mins south of downtown. It is short, rather wide opened golf course suitable for the beginner/hacker or the golfer who wants to get a round in when other courses are closed. It is noted for the fastest drying fairways in the area due to a gravel base. Rates are reasonable and food is very good.

Hope this helps! TexanMark

The opinions expressed in this guide are those of TexanMark. While every effort has been made to ensure all the information presented is accurate and current, it would be wise to verify things when possible. Please note that this guide is not endorsed by Scout.com, Rivals.com or its site publishers, administrators and/or moderators.


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